Erv was born September 12, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Bernhard and Katharina (Niehaus) Vetter. There he attended St. Andrew grammar school and DePaul Academy High School, graduating in 1951. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve. His two-week training cruise in 1952 was aboard the Daniel A Joy DE 585, steaming Lake Michigan and having liberty for 8 hours in Escanaba. Little did he know that 25 years later he would move there! Erv went on active duty in 1956 and spent 13 months in Hawaii aboard the USS Durant DER as a QM 3rd class. He was discharged in August 1958 from active duty, followed by an additional year in the reserves.
In June 1961, Erv went to work for Mead Corp where he met his wife, Maureen. They were married on October 9, 1965 in Chicago and spent 55 years together before she pre-deceased him in 2021. Erv was transferred to Dayton, Ohio in 1968 and then transferred again in 1976 to Escanaba.
Erv was a member of St. Anthony Church in Wells and served as an usher. He joined Bayshore Kiwanis in 1980 where he held a number of posts, including Secretary/Treasurer for 16 years, and chairman of the Boat and Sport Show. He was also a member of Mead Management Club, inactive 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. O’Connor Council 887 in Chicago, Bay de Noc Great Lakes Fishing Association, and Terrace Bluff Golf Course. He served a brief time as a mediator for Resolution Services.
Erv enjoyed numerous outdoor activities. He spent many years hunting rabbits, squirrels, and deer, proudly showing off an 8-point buck he got at age 82. He was in a summer golf league through the 2022 season, but also enjoyed getting a round in with his family through last year. For over 70 years, he fished the beautiful Leech Lake in Minnesota, passing along the annual family tradition to his kids and grandkids. Among many fond memories, his children particularly recall having regular one-on-one breakfasts and dinners at a restaurant of their choice, even if the choice was not a favorite of his. In his later years, he was an excellent caretaker to Maureen throughout her long illness. He loved cooking meals for his family, playing euchre and Wordle, and learning how to use a new iPhone at age 89. Erv proved that adage that you are as young as you feel.
Erv was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Maureen (Burnson) Vetter; brothers and their spouses Alfred (Lorraine) Vetter, and Richard (Barbara) Vetter; niece Betty Baumgarten; and nephew Ron Vetter.
Surviving are his children Monica (Scott) Anderson and Joanne (Ed) Bober, both of Midland, MI; Eric (Sharon) Vetter of Lexington, KY; Pamela Jessen (fiancé Jeffery Stevens) of Green Bay, WI; and Todd Vetter of Burkesville, KY; grandchildren Paige Anderson; Tony, Jennifer (Tom Abbott), and Emily Bober; Theresa, Daniel, and Katie Vetter; Andrew and Kyle Jessen; Brandon Stevens; Brenden, Nathan, Lauren, and Regan Vetter; one great-granddaughter, Lucia Maureen Abbott; nieces Linda Kabarec and Cathy Henderson; nephews Jeff (Cindy) Vetter and Joe (Kris) Vetter; cousin Eleanor Feld; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Erv’s name may be directed to Pregnancy Services of Delta County or St. Vincent DePaul.
Family will receive friends beginning at 5pm on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with military honors presented at 6:45 by the Gladstone American Legion, followed by vigil prayers. Mass of Christian Burial honoring Erv will be held Tuesday, March 19, at 11am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wells with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will follow. Erv will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery at 2pm. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Vetter family.
Crystal Prunier - Midland, MI
Joanne and family,
What a lovely obituary for your father. It sounds as though he was a wonderful man.
May the Lord fill you with comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Mark Miller - Escanaba , MI
I’m so sorry to read about Erv’s passing. I met and worked beside Erv for many years in Mead Publishing, Escanaba mill’s inside sales office. Erv was the lead man handling our direct customers that made up of more than half our sales. He, obviously, did an excellent job and was loved by the customers. His service was instrumental in keeping our customers loyal in a competitive marketplace.
Furthermore, I always looked forward to our Friday lunch at a local restaurant along with Bill Mulvaney and Bill Kwarciany (when he wasn’t on the road). That’s one of the few opportunities to relax and laugh.
Erv was always active in the community whether it was fundraising for charities, helping at the church, or hauling his kids to their activities. I believe he touched a lot of people and will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Kim Havinga - Escanaba, Mi
Erv was thoughtful, caring and so much fun. Met him while working at Mead. Then he became a family friend. Kids, you had the perfect example of the kindest parents in the world. My mom bowled with Mo, husband hunted with Erv. Wish we could be in Michigan to meet you all. They are in heaven together.
Love
Kim& Kelly
Brenda Wiltzius - Kingsford, MI
Monica & family,
I want to express my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your dad. Sounds like he created a lot of great memories with you all over the years. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Take care
Jim Okraszewski - Land O Lakes, WI
As others have already written, Erv was a very fine man. Customers visiting the Mead mill always sought him out to put a face to the man who served them so well on the phone. I canoed and fished with Erv on one trip into the Quetico and he was a joy to be with. My sympathies to jis family.