Ervin M. Girtz, 93 year old resident of Little Rock, MN passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019 at his home surrounded by family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 5, 2019 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Pierz, MN with Father Kenneth Popp officiating. Burial will be at St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in Buckman at a later date.

Shelley Funeral Chapels ~ Pierz, MN

Ervin M. Girtz, 93 year old resident of Little Rock, MN passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial was 11:00 A.M., Monday, August 5, 2019 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Pierz, MN (St. Michael's Church was being painted at this time and that is why the funeral was in Pierz) with Father Kenneth Popp officiating. Burial is in St. Michael's Parish Cemetery in Buckman MN.
Visitation was Sunday from 3 to 8 P.M. at St. Michael's Parish Center in Buckman and from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Monday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Pierz.

Ervin was born to Jacob and Rose (Medek) Girtz on April 3, 1926. He was the 7th oldest of 19 children and grew up on their farm near Pierz, MN. Ervin married the love of his life, Rosemary Guck on August 29, 1950. They moved to a farm near Little Rock where they raised their 12 children. Ervin worked hard on the farm milking dairy cows and working in the fields on his John Deere tractors. He learned to play the trumpet at a very young age and played in a variety of bands until he started his own band, "The Waltzeteers" which he had for 40 years. Ervin touched so many people with his love of music and his jokester personality. He enjoyed life the most when he could entertain people, whether he was wearing his variety of hats and wigs on stage or playing the trumpet and drums at the same time, along with his harmonica. He was well known everywhere, even in Texas where he and Rosie resided during the winter months for many years. He will be sadly missed by family and friends, who enjoyed his music and silly antics.

Ervin is survived by his 12 children, Don Girtz of Sauk Rapids, MN and special friend, Benita Fjerstad, Shorty Girtz of Little Rock, MN, Patsey Mueller of Bend, OR, Marilyn Girtz of Sauk Rapids MN, Linda (Dale) Dirks of Rice, MN, Elaine Legatt of Rice, MN and special friend Lee Schnobrich, Lee (Sandy) Girtz of Little Rock, MN, Darlene (Randy) Bednar of Morrill, MN, Dale (Stacey) Girtz of Little Rock, MN, Bernie Girtz of Buckman, MN, Nancy (Dale) DeVriendt of Sebeka, MN, Jody (Craig) Bailey of Big Lake, MN; 28 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Ervin was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosemary (Guck) on June 7, 2014; father and mother, Jacob and Rose Girtz; 8 sisters and 3 brothers.