Erwin "Erv" Klabunde

Erwin “Erv” August Klabunde was born in Omaha, NE on April 18, 1929, to August and Lena (Andreason) Klabunde. He was affectionately called “Sonny” by his siblings as he was growing up. He spent his childhood living on farms in Irvington and Millard. He graduated from Millard High School and eventually attended his 60-year class reunion. Erv joined the Army in March 1951 and served until February 1953. He was trained as a heavy equipment operator, and he spent part of his military service in Japan. His time and training in the Army would shape his future in many ways, including his employment, his volunteer work, and friendships throughout his life. On November 17, 1956, he married Elaine Sass. They had three daughters in their first five years of marriage: Darlene, Jodeen, and Kathleen. Together, Erv and Elaine lived with their family in Elkhorn until 1995. Erv was an active member of many organizations supporting the military throughout his life. He was a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the 40/8. In 2024, he was recognized for being a 70-year member of the American Legion. He was also a lifetime member of the Masons. He was a member of the Elkhorn City Council and was instrumental in planting and tending to the newly planted trees in Ta-Ha-Zouka Park in Elkhorn. Erv worked in many different careers to provide for his family over the years. He spent time working as a heavy equipment operator, being self-employed as the owner of E&E TV (TV repair), becoming a realtor for a short time, working for Douglas County in Omaha, and his final employment was as the Veterans Service Officer with Douglas County. He was proud of his 15 years of employment there before his retirement in 1995. After living in Elkhorn for the first 39 years of their marriage, Erv & Elaine moved to many different places including Ceresco, Missouri Valley, IA, (then back to Elkhorn), Lincoln, and Omaha (then back to Elkhorn again). They were able to take many amazing vacations together after Erv’s retirement. They visited the Panama Canal, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Austria, and Alaska, as well as taking a train tour from Canada to the Western US. They had many good memories of their adventures, and they enjoyed sharing those memories in their later years. Erv became a voracious reader in retirement. He read hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds) of books over the years, becoming a regular at the libraries in every city where he lived. When he was no longer reading books, he came to love watching YouTube videos of heavy equipment machines on his computer. Erv’s most important accomplishment was taking good care of his dear wife, Elaine, for their 69 years of marriage. He did everything he could to keep the two of them together and keep her safe until Elaine moved into a memory care support apartment down the hall from his in July 2025. Taking care of her kept Erv going for as long as he could. Elaine’s daily visits were the highlight of each of his days, including his last. She will surely miss him every day. Erv is survived by his wife, Elaine (he loved her “the mostest”); daughters Darlene Klabunde, Jodeen Hillig, and Kathy (Shawn) Gude; eight grandchildren and their spouses; and two great-grandchildren (with another on the way); Sister-in-law Delores Thompson; many nieces and nephews; and many new and old friends. We will miss his help with all the projects and questions we’ll have in the future. Erv lived his life according to the rules, and it served him well. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Suncrest Hospice and Elk Ridge Assisted Living who lovingly helped care for our dad. You made his life better. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Erwin "Erv" Klabunde

April 18, 1929 - January 14, 2026