Erwin “Erv” R. White, age 83 of Bass Lake on the Menominee Indian Reservation, started his journey on Monday, October 30, 2017 surrounded by family.
Erv was born August 22, 1934 in Keshena to Joseph “Happy” White and Zelda “Bobbie” (Quish) Hill. He grew up on the Menominee and Stockbridge Indian Reservation. He spent most of his childhood in Neopit working odd jobs in the woods at the logging camps, working as a farm hand, and harvesting produce in Shawano County as young as twelve years old. In Erv’s young adulthood he was a stock car driver, and spent time fishing and hunting.
On February 7, 1951, Erv was united in marriage to Beverly Putnam on the Stockbridge Reservation. They moved to Milwaukee and Oshkosh to work and raise their family. Erv completed an apprenticeship for heating and cooling and was employed with the Union for over 30 years. !n 1974 he and his wife built a home at the lake lot and moved back to the reservation. Erv opened his own business, The Heating Shop, which served the local area. He and Beverly traveled across the country in their RV. The couple enjoyed 64 years together before Beverly’s death in 2013.
Many knew Erv for his hard work and for his creative engineering gadgets. He was known as a good person who shared his knowledge. He spent many summers hosting camping parties at the lake that included all night card games, fish fries, jarts, and bonfires. Erv loved the outdoors, riding in the woods on his four-wheeler or snowmobile. When he wasn’t working or in the woods, he could be found in his shop creating gizmos, entertaining friends and family, and having some cold ones.
Erv is survived by his daughter, Sherry White of Bass Lake; his grandchildren, Jamie (Gerald) Wayka and Angela (Anthony) Waupochick, Jr., both of Keshena; his great-grandchildren, David Waupoose, Kayshia Wayka, Leander Loud Bear, Senihseah Wayka, Sasan and Saswaen Shawanokasic; and great-great grandchildren, Chase Waupoose, Serenity Robinson, and Alayla Chevalier. He is further survived by his brother, Allen (Karen) Washinawatok of South Branch; his sisters, Cally (Mike) King of Oneida, and Georgia (Robert) Burr of Green Bay; sisters-in-law, Dar White of Appleton, Betty Schiel and Pauline McCarthy, both of the Stockbridge Reservation, Judy (Butch) Hartley of Indiana, and Marie (Jack) Demjem of Arkansas; and brother-in-law, Joseph (Rosie) Putnam of the Stockbridge Reservation. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly; two sons, Robert and Arlyn; and one brother, Dan White.
Funeral services for Erwin “Erv” R. White will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Old Stockbridge Presbyterian Church in Morgan Siding. Interment will be in the Red Springs Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the church, and again on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the hour of service.
Mickelson Funeral Service is assisting the family.
