Errol Erstad
September 27, 1938 - April 11, 2025
Obituary
Errol J. Erstad, age 86, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. He was born on September 27, 1938, in DeForest, WI, to the late Einar Erstad and Jennie (Manki) Erstad. After high school, Errol joined the Army and served his country for four years. His service to his country was unquestioned, however off the battlefield, Errol found his heart captured by the lovely Ruth (Schulenberg) Erstad, his partner in crime and love of his life. They were married on May 5, 1962, at the Norway Grove Lutheran Church in DeForest, WI. Errol worked for many years as a maintenance mechanic for the University of Wisconsin.
In his golden years, Errol enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a huge sports fan, especially of the Badger, Brewers and Packers. Errol was also the biggest supporter of his children and grandchildren and would often go to their sporting events to support them. Errol's laughter was infectious, his jokes always on point, and his love for his family unwavering. He was the patriarch everyone all looked up to, the rock on which his family stood. He will be dearly missed.
Errol's legacy lives on through his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth; his children, Joel (Stephanie) Erstad, Timothy (Bridget) Erstad, Jeffrey (Cindy) Erstad, Jill (Skip) Dreyfus, and Sonja (Rick) Dedrick; 15 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Maurer; brother, Donald (Jane) Erstad; sisters-in-law, Alice Erstad, Beverly Erstad, Kathleen Erstad and Carol Erstad; and many nieces and nephews. Each family member ensuring that his legacy will never be forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Ashlyn Erstad; siblings; Richard Erstad, David Erstad, Clifton Erstad and Dennis Erstad; and brother-in-law, Gerald Maurer.
Errol's memory will be honored and treasured by his beloved wife, Ruth, his family, and a multitude of friends. As they mourn his passing, they find solace in the legacy of courage, integrity, and compassion that Errol leaves behind. May his spirit live on in the hearts of those who loved him, forever inspiring future generations to uphold the values he held dear.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 4-8pm at ST. JAMES LUTHERAN CHURCH, 427 South Main St, Verona. A second visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 9-11am. A service will take place at the church on Wednesday at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Errol's name to UW Kidney Research at give.wiscmedicine.org or to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.
The service for Errol will be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please go to https://youtube.com/live/-m3Ws7AVmxc?feature=share. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625
Events
Visitation
Tue Apr 22, 2025 @ 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM
St. James Lutheran Church • 427 South Main St, Verona, WI 53593
Visitation
Wed Apr 23, 2025 @ 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
St. James Lutheran Church • 427 South Main St, Verona, WI 53593
Memorial Service
Wed Apr 23, 2025 @ 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
St. James Lutheran Church • 427 South Main St, Verona, WI 53593
Photos
Memories
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Terry and Vickie Schlick
Friend • 21 days ago
We have fond memories of Errol from all the Nicolet gatherings. He was a great guy and a lot of fun. We send our sympathy to you, Ruth, and to your family. Terry and Vickie Schlick
DB
Debi & Scott Bram
Coworker • 22 days ago
Ruth we wish to extend our sincere sympathy to you and your family from co-workers from the Nicolet days. Take care. Debi & Scott Bram
MS
Mike and Kathy Simon
Friend • 23 days ago
We always loved running into Errol when we were out. He was always smiling. So dedicated to Ruth and his family. He will always be remembered with warm thoughts. So sorry for your loss.
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Gary and Bev Anderson
Friend • 24 days ago
Beautiful tribute to a dear friend. We spent so many awesome gokfing/sightseeing vacations over the years with Errol and Ruth. He knew exactly how to play his golf slice to his advantage. Many fun times were had post bowling nights, and how could we not forget celebrating "Errol Day" in Vegas. His love and pride for Ruth and his family is unmatched. Your family and friends are saddened by our loss.