Ervin Dudley

Ervin Dean Dudley, 92, of Nevis, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at St. Joseph Hospital in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Ervin Dean Dudley was born on September 8, 1929, in Lake George, Minnesota to Reginald and Mata (Sitz) Dudley. He was the eldest of twelve children and grew up in the Lake George and Nevis area. He attended the Yola Country School until the 8th grade and the old schoolhouse is now part of the Popple Bar in LaPorte, Minnesota. Ervin served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Ervin was united in marriage to Renee Crist on November 5, 1955, at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset, Minnesota and to this union nine children were born. Ervin was a heavy machinery operator for many different companies in Montana, North Dakota, Washington, and Minnesota. His last company that he worked for was Dennis and Girtz Excavating in Park Rapids. He loved anything outdoors like hunting, ice fishing, cutting wood, trapping, and riding snowmobile. He knew all the shortcuts so no one could beat him in a snow mobile race. He cut the holes for the local Polar Plunge. He enjoyed dancing, card tricks and bad dad jokes. Ervin loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Deeply loved, Ervin’s passing will be mourned by his eight children: Darrel (Sheila) Dudley of Park Rapids, MN, Steve (Diane) Dudley of Nevis, MN, Deb Tyge of Menahga, MN, Shirley (Chuck) Dennis of Akeley, MN, Kathy (Keith) Becker of Park Rapids, Dwayne (Jeannette) Dudley, Gary (Tammy) Dudley and David (Janie) Dudley all of Nevis; 64 grandchildren and great grandchildren; five siblings Kay Hellkamp, Dennis Dudley, Herman Dudley, Maynard Dudley, and Marlene Litzau. Ervin was preceded in death by his wife Renee who died in 2015; his son, Lonnie Dudley who died in 1999; his parents, three sisters and three brothers. His memorial service will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 1 P.M. at the First English Lutheran Church in Dorset, MN with a visitation one hour prior.