Marvin Erhardt

Marvin Erhardt, 75, Bismarck, passed away on September 29, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 9, 2023, at United Church of Christ, 1200 Highland Acres Rd, Bismarck.

Interment will be held at the Peace Cemetery in New Salem. A livestream for the burial will be available below. Due to the cemetery's rural location, there is a possibility of weak connection during the livestream. If this happens or you are not able to watch the service at the time it is live, a recording of the service will be available shortly afterwards.

Marv was born September 30, 1947, to Joseph and Catherine (Hopfauf) Erhardt in New Salem.  He grew up on the family farm north of New Salem and attended a rural school through the 5th grade.  He attended school in New Salem beginning in the 6th grade and graduated from New Salem High School in 1965.  His love of children led him to pursue a career in education, graduating from Valley City State College in 1969.  He later received a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of North Dakota in 1979 and a Doctor of Education from the University of Wyoming in 1994.

On March 11, 1967, Marv married his high school sweetheart Carol Weiss in New Salem. They were blessed with two children, Mike and Kathy.  He was a teacher at the Flasher Public School from 1969 to 1975 and was Principal at New Salem High School from 1975 to 1987.  He was Executive Director of the North Dakota LEAD (Leadership in Educational Administration Development) Center from 1987 to 2007 where he taught and inspired the next generation of school leaders.  After retiring, he became an education consultant.

Marv was a skilled carpenter, having built two of their homes in New Salem and numerous projects around the community.  In retirement he continued his love of children, becoming an integral member of Papa’s Pumpkin Patch.  He could be found building and repairing, and was delighted to be driving the train in his engineer outfit.  He loved all things Disney, the magic and joy it brought to people of all ages.  He was patient and kind, loved helping others, and giving back whenever and however he could.  He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Marv is survived by his wife Carol, son Michael (Cheryl) Erhardt, O’Fallon, IL; daughter Kathryn (Charles) Bauman, Rosemount, MN; his grandchildren Morgan and Jack Erhardt, and Myah and Joshua Bauman; his brother Mark (Joey) Erhardt, New Salem; and sisters-in-law Arlene (Robert) Ansley, Houston, TX and Marlys Munnell, Midland, TX.

Marv was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Gladys (Leo) Leingang and Rosalee (Kenneth) Mosbrucker.