Ervin Earl Bliss age 79 of Seaforth passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Parkview Home in Belview. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 8 at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home. Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Redwood Valley Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Wednesday. Interment is in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ervin Earl Bliss was born October 3, 1935 on the family farm southwest of Redwood Falls, Minnesota to George “Gay” and Leona (Shaffer) Bliss. He was baptized by the Methodist minister on the family farm. Ervin attended school in Seaforth. On April 14, 1961 he married Ruth Ann Maxa at the Redwood Falls United Methodist Church. Ervin spent his entire life living and working in Redwood County including driving feed truck for the Seaforth Farmers Elevator for 25 years. He served on the city council and as mayor of Seaforth for several terms. Ervin also worked as a city maintenance man for many years. He was a member of Seaforth American Legion Post 275, having served in the National Guard. Ervin loved spending time with family and friends and helping local farmers, especially driving beet truck. He had a love for old tractors. Ervin enjoyed cutting and burning wood, and woodworking. He loved camping and being “manager” at his own Sunny Delight campground.
Ervin is survived by his children: Danny (Collette) Bliss of Harrisburg, SD, Lori Bliss (fiancé Tim Banken) of Appleton, Connie (Tom) Johanneck of Seaforth, and Mark (Carrie) Bliss of Seaforth; grandchildren: Quinn Johnson, Ross Anderson, Ryan (Amber) Anderson, Nicole (Dalton) Schmidt, Fr. Aaron Johanneck, Ashleigh (Kenny) Haanpaa, Tim (Abbey) Johanneck, Tessa Johanneck (fiancé Christopher Delaney), and Tyler, Mikayla, and Cassondra Bliss; great-grandchildren: Tyler Anderson, Sawyer Schmidt, Mackenzie Junker, Wyatt Haanpaa, Kinley and Layton Johanneck. He is also survived by sister Mary Lou Burtzel of Redwood Falls, brother Gary (Lorna) Bliss of Redwood Falls, ex-wife Ruth Bliss, and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, son Jon, brothers Clinton, Darryl “Bud”, and Don, and sisters Wilma, Hazel, and Bernice.
Your in our thoughts and prayers!
Connie, Mary Lou, Gary, and family, you have our sympathy.
Richard and Joanne Horejsi
Our deepest sympathies to you, Danny, Collette and Quinn. May you feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you.
To all my cousins and Aunt Ruthie and all the grandkids, I’m sorry we are so far away and won’t make the funeral. The last time I was home I had a feeling we should get over to see Ervie and Dad and I talked about doing it but he just wasn’t in good enough shape. We will really miss Ervie and his kindness shows though every one of his kids. He always had a friendly word or a laugh for me growing up and I think I can say for all my siblings and my dad that we all loved him. May God bless and keep you all and I’m very sorry for the loss. My wife and I send our prayers and deepest sympathies.
Dear Ruth, Danny, Lori, Connie and Mark;
I pray that almighty God would fill you with the grace you need in your time of sorrow, and comfort you with the presence of His Spirit.
Even though time has gone by, not a year passes when I don’t think of Ervy. It is harvest time. Seeing that dark green International Eagle dumpbox truck on the Redwood Falls sugar beet piling site… always meant a friendly smile, a wave, and a happy birthday for a good longtime friend of the Petersen family. Roll on, brother, roll on…