Ervin M. Eltze

Ervin was born May 9, 1938 in rural Crete, Nebraska to Ervin F. and Irma Lubben Eltze. Erv attended a one-room schoolhouse, graduating from Crete High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Doane College and a Master's degree in mathematics with a minor in physics from the University of South Dakota. There, he was part of the honorary Sigma Xi Fraternity, Pi Mu Epsilon and Kappa Mu Epsilon.

While working on his master’s degree, Erv married LeAnn Hagena on August 9, 1963. They moved to Omaha where Erv taught mathematics at Creighton University, until they moved to Ames, Iowa in 1965. He earned his PhD in mathematics from Iowa State University. Erv was a member of the honorary fraternity Phi Kappa Phi. While living in Ames, their two sons, Michael and Robert were born.

Erv and LeAnn moved to Hays, Kansas where he taught at Fort Hays State University for 33 years. Their daughter Michelle was born soon after moving to Hays. At Fort Hays, Erv served as President of Faculty Association, and President of Phi Kappa Phi. Erv was also active in the Hays United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and holding leadership positions. He served on the Finance Committee, and Council of Ministries.

In 2011, Erv and LeAnn moved to Olathe, Kansas. Erv was an active member of Lion's Club. He also volunteered for many years with the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Webelo Leader, Cub-master, and Camp Visitation Team. They honored him with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his outstanding service to youth in Boy Scouts.

In 2011, Erv and LeAnn moved to Olathe, Kansas where he lived his remaining years.

Erv loved woodworking, playing the cello in the Hays Symphony, playing card games, photography, fishing and traveling, especially to the Rocky Mountains. He also loved spending time with his family.

Ervin and LeAnn shared 51 years together. Grateful for having shared his life are son Michael Eltze, his wife Angela of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, son Robert Eltze of Manhattan, Kansas, his daughter Michelle Danner and her husband Robert of Olathe, Kansas. They have five grandchildren Matthew, Samantha and Emma Eltze and Chloe and Ethan Danner. His brother Ronald Eltze and his wife Elaine of Crete, Nebraska and his sister-in-law Eunice Peters and husband Alfred of Lennox, South Dakota.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ervin F. Eltze and Irma (Lubben) Eltze.

Funeral services will be 2pm, Tuesday, February 10th, at Church of the Resurrection – Wesley Covenant Chapel, 13720 Roe Ave. Leawood, Kansas. Visitation will be from 1-2pm prior to the service. Graveside services will be 2pm, Wednesday, in Riverside Cemetery, Crete, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fort Hays State University, Church of the Resurrection or Olathe Hospice House.