Erwin H. Hoerauf

Erwin passed away Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Close To Home, Bay City at the age of 94 years. He was born in Bay City on January 25, 1927 to the late Herbert and Clara (Maurer) Hoerauf. He married the former Elvira Knoerr on January 13, 1951 and she passed away on August 13, 2015. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged. Erwin worked and retired on April 23, 1982 from Dow Chemical Company after many years of service. After retirement he and his wife opened a country craft store where he did most of the woodwork. He loved his garden and woodshop and spending time with his family.
Erwin is survived by his children, Pam (John) Whalen, Jean (Tim) Czowski and Jon (Lynn) Hoerauf; grandchildren, Jodi (Zachry) Kinney, Julie (Shawn) Randall, Kelly Whalen, Jeremy (Ashley) Hoerauf, Mike (Brenna) Zaplitny, Kathy Zaplitny, Dave (Yese) Whalen, Kayla Zaplitny and Kevin (Samantha) Whalen; great grandchildren, Tiffany (Liam) Kimpel, Ashley Randall, Zachariah Kimpel, Chase Randall, Graci Kinney, Vera Zaplitny, Frederick Zaplitny, Calvin Zaplitny and Josephine Hoerauf; sister, Luci Martin; daughter-in-law, Jaynie Hoerauf and sister-in-law, Marie Hoerauf. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Anne Hoerauf; son, Douglas Hoerauf; siblings, Otto (Harriett) Hoerauf, Ted (Donna) Hoerauf and Norm Hoerauf; brother-in-law, Robert Martin.
Private family services will take place on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust. Officiating will be Rev. Dennis W. Matyas with interment in St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the Bay County Veterans Council. Contributions may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust or the wishes of the family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Close to Home Riegle for the wonderful care they gave to Erwin. For online condolences visit www.gephartfuneralhome.com .
The funeral service will be live streamed for friends and family who are unable to attend. Please log onto website at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2021: Facebook: www.facebook.com/stpaulfrankenlustbaycity and youtube.com st. paul bay city