Joseph Richard Erlewein

Joseph Richard Erlewein, 79, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away in his home surrounded by his loved ones on January 1, 2019 after a long battle with COPD and Congestive Heart Failure.  Joe was born October 30, 1939  in Lacrosse, Wisconsin.  He was a loving and dedicated husband, daddy, pepaw, son, brother and uncle.  He was compassionate and was a friend to everyone!  Joe was an amazing caregiver to his wife Penny and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Joe retired from the Air Force on June 30, 1978.  After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a security guard and legal clerk.  Joe retired early and was able to take care of  his grandson’s, Raymond (Little Guy) and Thomas (Itty Bittty).  He loved working in his garden and building things such as cabinetry, model cars, trains, airplanes and other things.  He was a huge cheese head (for those of you not familiar with that term, he loved the Green Bay Packers) even when they had losing seasons…it upset him but he still watched them and yelled at the TV.

Joe is survived by his wife of 48 years, Penny Lou Erlewein, his daughter Margaret Ann Donathan and her husband Mark Allyn Donathan, Son Adam Victor Erlewein and his partner Jason Fox and  Daughter Carolynn Rose Mayhew and her husband Christopher Lee Mayhew.  His Grandchildren Raymond Dwayne Trimble, Thomas William Trimble, Sebastian Pierre Pereyra, Tierney Rashelle Donathan and his great-grandchildren Adelynn Regina & Raymond Xavier Trimble.  His mother Caroline Erlewein and his brothers Ferd, Terry, Randy and Ronnie Erlewein as well as 17 nieces and nephews.  Joe was preceded in death by his dad Henry “Vic” Erlewein, his sister Pamela Rose Taylor and his brother Jerry Erlewein.

He was loved dearly and he will be greatly missed.  If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever!!!

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