Obituary of Wallace S Erhardt

Wallace S. Erhardt

1/13/1928     ----    1/27/2024

Heaven opened the gates early this am to admit the kind and generous soul of this remarkable man.  Wallace "Wally" wore many hats as beloved husband, amazing father, adored grandfather, great grandfather, Uncie Auggie and friend to all blessed enough to know him.   He cared for and served as patriarch to his family and left an indelible legacy along the way.

He took great pride in his military service to his country. He joined the Army on 1/7/46 and was honorably discharged on 1/6/49.   He was trained as a Low Speed Radio Operator, a Rifleman, a Light Machine Gunner, and proudly served with the 505^th Airborne Infantry Regiment and was awarded a WWII victory medal. We carry that accomplishment in our hearts today.

He returned from service to marry Geraldine Manzinger on October 14^th, 1950 at Saint Joseph's Church in Utica. He chose her well - they were childhood friends and fueled a love story spanning decades and raised a solid and love filled family.

Wally worked for the NYS Department of Transportation for 38 years serving as a road shift supervisor in the Alder Creek area. He retired on 10/1/26/89.  He was a fair and compassionate man and lived a respect filled life of accountability. He was quiet but his actions spoke deeply. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, snowshoeing, and simply being in the woods.   He loved and appreciated nature and animals and had special abilities and connections to dogs-a trait that has been passed onto his daughter.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Geraldine M. Erhardt, his three daughters -Deborah Sheehan of Garner, NC - Jill Erhardt of Whitesboro, and Amy Murphy Klotz of Utica along with son-in-law Jeffrey Klotz. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved grandsons - Stuart Murphy along with his wife Lindsay -Andrew Murphy along with his wife Elizabeth- and Joseph Murphy.   In his final years he got to enloy the love of four great grandchildren - Carnryn, Owen, Clara and Chloe. He was the beloved brother in law of Barbara Mario who suffers this loss along with her children William "Billy", Raymond and Wendy Wolanin. Wally was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Lillian Erhardt, along with his brother, Fritz Erhardt.  He leaves his nephew, Peter Erhardt and nieces, Dorothy and Linda.

Our family wishes to thank the medical staff and innumerable cast of thoughtful and  loving caregivers of the Masonic Care Community of Utica, NY, where our parents have resided for three years.  As NO surprise to anyone our father was a favorite to many.

There are no services or calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made in Wallace’s name to a local Veterans organization of your choice.

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd., Rome, NY

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com