Wilbert J. "Willy" Ehrichs, 94, of Perham, MN, formerly of Halstad, MN, died on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at Perham Health, in Perham.

Willy was born on June 12, 1917, in Aspinwell, Iowa, the son of Ben and Minnie (Joens) Ehrichs. At the age of two, he moved with his parents to a farm in North Dakota. He attended country school and started farming with his family. On July 15, 1950, he was united in marriage to Donna Mae Fink, in Shelly, MN. He farmed for many years by Halstad and Ada, MN. After farming, he worked for his brother, Warren, at Ehrichs Manufacturing in Fargo, ND. Upon his retirement, Willy, Donna, and daughter Vanessa moved back to Halstad where they lived until Donna's death in 1995. Wilbert and Vanessa moved to New York Mills, MN, to be closer to family. He resided in the Perham Memorial Home for the past five years until his death on Sunday, after a very short illness.

Willy was always tinkering in the garage or building things such as yard decorations, ducks, and planes. He also built from scratch a pontoon, motorized 3 wheel car, snowmobile, snow plane, bicycle, and latch hook rugs. He was kidded frequently about what he was planning next and called the "Wacky Professor."

He was a man of few words, but when he spoke it meant something and people would listen. He was a kind and gentle man, very easy going, loved his family and family times.

He also loved baseball and was a huge fan of the Minnesota Twins. He lived 94 years, but will be very missed by all of his family.

Willy is survived by his son, Dennis, (Cindy) Ehrichs, Ottertail, MN, daughter, Vanessa Ehrichs, Fergus Falls, MN, his grandchildren, Denise (Terry) Gregor, Jennifer (Travis) Koller, Tina Ehrichs, Holly (Joshua) Burke; great grandchildren, Cassidy, Bo and Shannon Gregor, Darby and Piper Koller and Conner Burke; sister-in-law, Sandra Sommers, and brother-in-law, Allen Holm. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Donna, and two brothers, Warren and Leonard.

Memorial service: 2PM Friday, March 16, 2012 at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service in the church.

Burial: Halstad North Cemetery, Halstad, MN.