Ervin "Sonny" Voit, the son of George and Anna (Rehm) Voit, was born September 3, 1934 near Beaulieu, MN. He grew up on the farm and attended country school. As a young man, Ervin farmed with his family for several years and later worked at the Mahnomen Mill and for Cenex. On September 20, 1955, Ervin was united in marriage to Bernice Wolbeck at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen and they made their home on a farm in the Beaulieu area. In 1968, Ervin and Bernice moved into Mahnomen and Ervin began a career as an Electrician with Lee Electric. After 30 years of electric work he retired in 1996. Twelve years ago, he was diagnosed with Leukemia but courageously fought it and has been able to control the cancer with treatments and medication. Although he was officially retired, Ervin stayed very active helping others and doing various jobs over the years. Ervin died on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND from complications of surgery.

Ervin was truly a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He treasured the time he was able to spend with his family. Ervin was an accomplished woodworker, making most of the furniture in their home and many pieces for family and friends. He made it a goal to take each grandchild fishing each summer and enjoyed attending their sporting events whenever he was able. He also appreciated another member of the family – his little dog, "Pepper". Ervin and Bernice were also foster parents opening their home for 12 years, helping to raise several children.

Ervin could often be found outdoors: hunting, fishing and camping. He also liked to dance and play cards. He took great pleasure in an occasional poker game with his buddies, playing for nickels and dimes. Ervin was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council # 2573 and was a former Grand Knight. He has served as the treasurer of this organization since 1997. Ervin was a devote Catholic and an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He had a strong faith and was thankful for all that God had provided him.

Ervin is survived by his wife, Bernice of Mahnomen; one son, Duane (Geri) Voit of Dilworth, MN; three daughters: Karen (Glenn) Hanson of Mahnomen, Debbie (Rick) Hand of Moorhead, MN, and Diane (Dean) Omberg of Hawley, MN; 12 grandchildren: Jon (Jodie), Kristin, Tyler and Brittany Voit, Breanna and Nathan Hanson, Cory, Travis, and Brady Hand, Dillon, Ben and Blake Omberg; and two great grandchildren, Gavin and Ella Voit; one brother, Leonard (Luella) Voit of Mahnomen; two sisters, Mary Papka of Billings, MT, and Lillian (Melvin) Haider of Mahnomen; his mother-in-law, Luddie Wolbeck of Mahnomen; in-laws: Jim Janusch of Waubun, MN, LouAnn and Al Olien of Fargo, Joan and Joe Safar of Waubun, Jim Wolbeck of Mahnomen; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, John Wayne; two brothers, Kenny and Allen; and two sisters, Amy Haider and Florence Miller.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, co-officiated by Fr. Mario Prada and Fr. Rick Lambert. Keith Francis will be the song leader with Brenda Sorensen as pianist. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jon, Tyler, Nathan, Corey, Travis, Brady, Dillon, Ben, and Blake. The Knights of Columbus will serve as honorary bearers.


Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at St. Michael's Catholic Church from 5:00 pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:30 and K.C. Rosary to follow. The Pianist will be Brenda Sorensen with special music will be provided at the Prayer Service by his granddaughters, Kristin, Brittany, and Breanna and his grandson, Nathan will also play a special piano selection.

Interment will be at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in Mahnomen.