Dennis Eugene William Erbe

MONONA – Dennis Eugene William Erbe, 74, of Monona passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Monona with Rev. Martin Coolidge as the Celebrant. There will be a visitation from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the church on Friday.

Erbe was born May 8, 1950 in Postville, the son of George Frederick Erbe and Mary Catherine Geraghty Erbe. Dennis was baptized, received his first holy communion and was confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Monona. Dennis attended St. Patrick’s grade school through the eighth-grade and then attended M-F-L, graduating with the class of 1968. After high school graduation he attended college in Calmar for two years, where he studied to be a technical mechanic.

Dennis grew up in Monona, always loving anything with wheels. As a young child he would take the wheels off the family lawnmower (this made George very happy) and he owned, took apart, and reassembled many bicycles. When he was old enough to own a car, he usually had at least two vehicles at a time; his driver and his good car, all of which had to be Chevrolets! His love of vehicles continued throughout his life.

When he was 12 years old, Erne went to work for the Krambeer Shell Station in Monona and continued to work for Lee until he finished college. He then worked for Huinker Chevrolet in Monona for three years and then went to Dittmer Motors in Elkader and worked in the body shop. When his brother Ron’s health declined, Dennis ran the Brass Rail bar in Monona to finish Ron’s contract for him. At the end of the contract the owners wanted to sell, so Dennis bought the business. Denny was always very proud of The Brass Rail ball team.

Dennis had one daughter, Denise Ann, of whom he was so proud when she became a teacher. He always loved hearing about his two grandsons’ activities and endeavors, especially when he knew they had interest in cars.

Dennis is survived by his daughter, Denise Ann and her husband, Eddie Shekleton; grandsons, Ty and Jax Shekleton all of New Hampton; his sister, Connie Leete of Farmersburg; niece Vanessa and her husband Wayne Brehm; nephew, Gregory and his wife, Christina Erbe; great nephews, Ian and Ethan Brehm and Coleman Erbe and great nieces, Anna (Belle) Brehm and Madison Erbe. Also surviving Dennis are his cousins, Phillip, Larry, Linda, Kathy, and Kathy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Erbe; his brother, Ronald; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Erbe and brother-in-law, James Leete.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to M-F-L Ambulance Service or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.