Erwin "Erv" Emil Denzin

Erwin “Erv” Emil Denzin, age 79 of Waupun, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at his home surrounded by his family.

Erv was born on December 7, 1928, in Waupun, the son of William and Gertrude (Amrhein) Denzin. On June 11, 1949, he married the love of his life, Gloria J. Heimerl, and they lived on the farm known as the Denzin Homestead. Erv invented a slip clutch for forage boxes in the early 1960’s, and had patents on it in the United States and Canada. He owned and operated Erwin Denzin Manufacturing, which built forage boxes. A few years later he employed LeRoy Rahn, and they later formed a partnership known as Denzin & Rahn Manufacturing, now shortened to Derco Manufacturing. Erv was born with spina bifida, and had many years of severe back pain and surgeries. He overcame his disablilities and was able to work, enjoy his family, and craft special gifts. Erv loved woodworking, and used his talents to build quality furniture and also enjoyed building lawn swings. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Erv is survived by Gloria, his wife of fifty-nine years; two children, Jerry (Mary) Denzin, Waupun; and Darlene Jones (special friend, Charles Mauch) Fond du Lac; two granddaughters, Laura Ann Denzin, Appleton; and Christina Marie Jones, Fond du Lac; a sister-in-law, Naomi (Darold) Collien, Oakfield; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents; and his brother, Lester Denzin.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 525 West Main Street, Waupun, with Rev. Rolf Amundsen officiating. Interment will follow in the Avoca Cemetery, Oakfield, WI.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, August 7, 2008 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Kohls Community Funeral Home, 405 W. Main Street, Waupun, and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

“Special thanks to the doctors and staff of St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, who provided quality care. Also many thanks to Agnesian Healthcare Hospice Hope for their wonderful compassionate home care.”

A memorial fund has been established in Erv’s name for Agnesian Healthcare Hospice Hope, 239 Trowbridge Drive, Fond du Lac, 54935.