Wallace C. Erfert • 1912 - 2011

Wallace C. Erfert, 99, Minot, ND, formerly of Plaza, ND, died Monday, January 9, 2012, at ManorCare Health Services in Minot.  

Wallace Carrol Erfert was born July 27, 1912, a son of Albert and Emma H. (Larson) Erfert, in Plaza, ND. He was raised and educated in Plaza and graduated from Plaza High School. Wally’s parents were both musicians and because of their musical background, Wally took an interest as well. During his sixth grade year of school, Wally started playing the snare drum for the high school band and continued throughout his high school years. Following his high school graduation, Wally attended one year of college courses in Fargo.

In the 1930s, there was no work, so Wally joined the band in Plaza and played with several other bands in the area in order to make a living. After WWII, Wally moved to Seattle, WA, where he sold real estate and was in a band. He later moved to Montana, before moving back to Plaza to help his father with the operation of the family farm. He then joined a band in Minot and served as secretary/treasurer of the musicians union for six years.

Wally then met June L. Britten. They moved to California, where June’s sister lived, and were married January 12, 1963, at Our Lady of Las Vegas in Las Vegas. They made their home in California, and then in Las Vegas, where Wally managed a credit union. They retired in 1973, and moved back to North Dakota. They made their home on a farm near Plaza where they lived during the summer months. They wintered in Mesa, AZ, for 27 years. While in Mesa, June and Wally formed a band at Leisure World. Wally was also a part of the 90 voice chorus at Leisure World. They moved to Minot in 2001. June passed away December 9, 2006. Following his wife’s death, Wally moved to Edgewood Vista in Minot, where he resided until December of 2011, when he moved into ManorCare Health Services in Minot.  

Wally was a member of First Lutheran Church in Plaza and was a lifetime member of the Musicians Union.

Surviving family includes:  niece, Janie (John) Reynolds, Conway, SC; and a nephew, Joseph Meeker, La Honda, CA.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; wife, June; and brother, Arvil Erfert.

Funeral: Wednesday, January 12, 2012, at 1:00 pm at First Lutheran Church, Plaza.

Interment:  East Plaza Community Cemetery, Plaza, ND.

Visitation:  Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials: are preferred to First Lutheran Church in Plaza.

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