Allyn Erb
Funeral Service for Allyn Erb was held Thursday, December 9, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Irwin, Iowa. Pastor Keith Pals officiated. Music was provided by Milton Barry, vocalist and Ruth Ann Barry, organist. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery, near Irwin, Iowa with Allyn's grandsons, Brian Erb, Kevin Erb, Sean Monson, Brandon Monson, Derek Monson, Jason Erb, Michael Huff, A.J. Barton, and Tyler Barton as casketbearers. Honorary casketbearers were Allyn's grandchildren, Rhonda Erb, Michelle Huff, Melanie Huff, Melissa Huff, Jamie Erb, Chevonne Monson, Matt Ferry, Dan Ferry, Joni Wildner, Lori Lentsch, Casey Muller, Chris Michelson, Katie Rasmussen, and Matthew Rasmussen.
Allyn Charles, son of Bert and Lydia (Alwill) Erb, was born January 30, 1918, on the family farm east of Irwin in Shelby County, Iowa. He attended country school near his home in Jefferson Township and then started fanning with his father.
On May 4, 1941, Allyn was united in marriage with Thelma Evelyn Wetzel. They lived on a farm east of Irwin just a short distance from where he was born. Six children where born to this union. In the early years, Allyn farmed with horses and he maintained an interest in horses throughout his life. He raised crops and livestock with cattle being his primary interest. The farm was very important to him and he was very particular about its care, finding it difficult to entrust the operation to anyone other than a family member. His wife died on September 11, 1974.
Allyn was a member of the United Methodist Church in Irwin. He served as a Jefferson Township Trustee for many years and also served on the school board of the Jefferson Township rural school near his home. He was a member of the Shelby County Pork Producers and Cattleman's Association. Allyn's main interest was his farm, however he did take time to attend the Sidney Rodeo and Clay County Fair.
On September 25, 1976, Allyn was united in marriage with Leona Fairchild Ferry. They continued to live on his farm east of Irwin where Allyn actively farmed until 2001. Over the years, Allyn enjoyed going into town to visit with friends and traveling to his son's farms nearby to help them whenever possible.
As Allyn's health began to fail, he continued to be interested in the farming operation and was not interested in moving into town. He died at home on Sunday evening, December 5, 2004 at the age of 86 years, 10 months and 5 days.
Preceding Allyn in death are his parents; first wife Thelma; son Gary Erb; daughter Gloria Huff; 2 grandsons, Nathan Erb and Christopher Ferry and sister Mildred Doyel.
He is survived by his wife Leona Erb of Irwin; four children: Dennis Erb and wife Judy of Irwin: Sharon and husband Dick Monson of Harlan; Diana and husband Bill Barton of Omaha, Nebraska; and Roger Erb and wife Carol of Harlan; daughter-in-law Myrna Erb Gundel of Fontanelle; son-in-law Dan Huff of California; twenty-three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step-children Linda and husband Dennis Wildner of Omaha, Nebraska and Tom Ferry and wife Cheryl of Harlan; two sisters-in-law Vernie Wetzel of Manning and Ilo and husband Wayne Miller of Ankeny; two brothers-in-law Albert Wetzel and wife Jeanette of Bayard and Ivan Wetzel and wife Marlys of Badger; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.