Joseph J. Erpenbach, 73, of Howard, SD passed away on Wednesday, April 8th 2026 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD. A funeral mass will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, April 13, 2026 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard. Visitation with family present will be held from 5 – 7 pm on Sunday, April 12th also at the church.
Joseph Jerome Erpenbach was born on November 22, 1952 in Mitchell, SD to Anthony and Catherine (Allen) Erpenbach. He grew up on a farm near Epiphany and graduated from Canova High School in 1971. Joe went on to receive his associate’s degree from Mitchell Vo-Tech in 1973. He married Barb Erikson on September 19, 1975 and to this union, five children born. Joe worked various jobs and retired after many years with the Miner County Highway Department, where he was famous for the “Joe” wave while out blading roads. After retirement, Joe spent time working for the City of Howard mowing and as the rubble site attendent. Otherwise, he could be found enjoying a Diet Mountain Dew and going for drives. Joe not only enjoyed watching the Vikings, but also finding memorabilia. Joe never missed an auction or sale that had Miner County treasures, Case IH toys, or anything that would continue to build his many collections. Joe was a Howard Tiger enthusiast. He was very proud of his family and would let anyone know who had time to visit.
He is survived by: his wife, Barb; children, Holly (Steve) Litterick, Jamie (Joel) Husher, Terry (Deser’e) Erpenbach, Wade Erpenbach, and Amber (Nick) Kramer; grandchildren, Karley (Tanner) and their son, Ripley, Nick (Emma), Oliver, Cameron (Mercedes), Ariel (Kahle), Kyra, Leona, Klyde, and Otto; siblings, Elaine Neugebauer, Joyce Christensen, Tony (Joyce) Erpenbach, Connie (Jerry) Kurth, and Darlene (Dick) Muth; sisters-and brothers-in-law, Pat Erpenbach, Joan Erpenbach, Bill Walz, Kim (Mike) Zens, Kevin (Darla) Erikson, and Royce (Jamie) Erikson, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, John Erpenbach, Allan Erpenbach, James Erpenbach, and Pat Walz, parents-in-law, Dean and Leona Erikson, brothers-in-law Luverne Neugebauer, Dick Christensen, sisters-in-law, Theresa Erpenbach, Kristi Smith, and nephew, Adam Zandstra.
