This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/zk.2ADI/716 Message Board Post: Jacob “Jake” J. Erlbacher, 89 March 25, 1912–November 16, 2001 Jacob “Jake” Joseph Erlbacher was born to Rosa Marie (Wilwerding) and John Erlbacher at a farm near Earling, March 25, 1912. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Earling. February 18, 1935, Jake married Irene Dotzler at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance. To this union four children were born. Following their wedding, the couple farmed near Earling, moving to Defiance in 1950. He retired from farming in December of 1969, and with Irene, moved to Harlan. They became residents of Elm Crest Retirement Community in February of 2001. Jake was a funeral usher for St. Michael’s Catholic Church for over 20 years. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and a former 3rd Degree Member of the Earling Council No. 1714, Knights of Columbus. He died November 16, 2001, at Myrtue Memorial Hospital at age 89 years, seven months and 22 days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Elmer and LaVerne Erlbacher; sisters, Marie Stolz and Pat Malone; and sons-in-law, Norbert Kramer and Darrell Sternberg. He is survived by his wife, Irene Erlbacher of Harlan; children, Ron Erlbacher (Jane) of Omaha, NE; Marlene Kramer of South Bend, NE; Gladys Sternberg of Omaha, NE., and Jim Erlbacher (Jackie) of Charlotte, NC.; seven grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Leonard Erlbacher of Earling; Irene Kenkel of Harlan; John Erlbacher Jr. of Dunlap; Rita Briggs of Audubon and Ella Mae (Darrell) Damell of Elgin, IL.; nieces and nephews and other relatives. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 19, 2001, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Rev. Jack McClure, C.P.P.S. as the presider. Burial was in the Harlan Cemetery with Jeffery Sternberg, David Kramer, Mark Kramer, Mark Angel, Kevin Anderson, Robert Taylor, Myron Schaben and Dick Dotzler casket bearers. Pauley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.