Erwin Garbers

was born on January 15, 1931 to Ernst and Elli (Schulte) Garbers in Estelline, South Dakota. He moved with his family to White, South Dakota where he attended country school in District #24 until the 5th grade. He then moved with his family to Lake Benton, Minnesota where he continued his education at Lake Benton Hilltop 50 until the 8th grade. Upon completion of his education, he began farming on the family farm. He continued to work with his father until his parents moved into Lake Benton and he took over the family farm in 1956. On October 29, 1954, Erwin was united in marriage to Glenda Korver at the Assembly of God Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they resided in the Lake Benton area where they raised their six children and were lifelong farmers, milking dairy cows and working the fields. Erwin remained on the farm until February, 2010, when his progressing Parkinson's caused him to move in to the Central Minnesota Senior Care in Lake Benton. On March 11, 2014, he was admitted to a Sioux Falls hospital in South Dakota and later entered the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. He died there on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at the age of 83 years, two months and 11 days.

Erwin accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized by immersion in 1972. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Lake Benton until their transfer to Prairie Winds Baptist Church by Elkton, South Dakota. He served as a trustee and sang in the church choir. Erwin enjoyed his farmland, crocheting, playing the piano, organ and accordion, and eating popsicles with his great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Rummy with Glenda, and most importantly spending time with his family.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Glenda Garbers of Lake Benton, Minnesota; his six children, Virgil Garbers of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Dawn (Danny) Miller of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Paul (Cindy) Garbers of Canton, South Dakota, Dale (Brenda Muehler) Garbers of Canby, Minnesota, Leon Garbers of Canton, South Dakota and Byron (Tanya Jorgenson) Garbers of Pipestone, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren, Erin (Beau) Blouin, Ryan Stoltonberg, Amber (Hobie) Beman, and Amy Diedrich, Kimberly Miller, Ashley Miller, and Gregory Miller, Becky (Austin) Parks and Cory (Bre Meins) Garbers, Carie (Justin) Driessen, Elizabeth (Casey) Bell and Brandon Garbers, and Anthony Jorgenson, Ashlee Jorgenson, and Austin Jorgenson; eight great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Blouin, Sophia Blouin, Sienna Blouin and Andrijana Beman and Addison Driessen, Peyton Bell, Carson Driessen and Hudson Driessen; three siblings, Arnold (Millie) Garbers of Lake Benton, Herbert (Rose) Garbers and Erna Salmonsen, both of Minneapolis, Minnesota; one sister-in-law, Linda Garbers of Minneapolis and one brother-in-law, John VanDyke of Slayton, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Elli Garbers; two sisters, Viola Hokins and Lydia VanDyke; one brother, Marvin Garbers; and an infant sister, Elfrida Garbers.