Erhard Friedrich Karl Pagenkopf

Erhard was a strong and determined man, and he left an equally strong imprint on the people around him. He accomplished a great deal in his 88 years, but perhaps nothing tells the story of Erhard better than the home he built, the family he raised, and land he nurtured in Springbank.

After nearly 40 years working for the City of Calgary as a civil engineer, Erhard turned his energy toward retirement—but retirement didn’t mean slowing down. He transformed his Springbank acreage into a flourishing tree nursery business, growing thousands of spruce trees. He loved to work with his hands and everything he did, he did with pride and excellence.

Erhard was the second youngest of five boys and the last surviving of the Pagenkopf brothers. In 1953, he made the journey from Germany to Canada with his mother, Maria, and his four brothers—Dietrich “Dieter”, Hans, Armin, and Walter—beginning a new chapter for the family in the country they would all call home for the rest of their lives.

Erhard is survived by his wife Ursula of 52 years of marriage; his son Troy Pagenkopf (Monika), and their sons Zachary, Ethan and Seth; and his daughter Julie deBoer (Mike), and their children Adam, Luke and Joy.

Erhard was also predeceased by his daughter, Angela in 2020. There is particular comfort for his family now in knowing that father and daughter are together again.

Erhard leaves behind more than the things he built, the land he transformed, or the work he accomplished. Many of the trees he planted still stand—a fitting reminder of a man who put down roots and built a future. But his greatest legacy is found in the values he passed down to his children, and they in turn to theirs: put family first, work hard and with excellence, and live with reverence for God. A legacy that lasts.

For those who loved him, Erhard’s death brings sadness, but not without hope. His faith was in a good and faithful God. We trust that his future is secure in Glory, and that the separation we feel now is not forever.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

This obituary has been authorized by the family for posting on Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home’s website. As such, it is protected against any form of reproduction or redistribution without prior consent from the family.