Funeral services were held for Audrian “Erky” Erkenbrack, age 95 of New York Mills on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Karvonen Funeral Home in New York Mills with Pastor Kathy Hodges officiating. The pallbearers were Scott Wallace, Rachelle Sikorski, Calvin Cooley, Jason Cooley, Deb Pundt and Rick Erkenbrack. Military Honors were provided by Charles D. Center V.F.W. Post #3289 of New York Mills, and the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard. Erky was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery, New York Mills. 

Audrian “Erky” Vandegaard Erkenbrack was born on March 16, 1927 in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. His parents were the late Bert and Jensina (Gilbertson) Erkenbrack. Erky attended Country School North of Parkers Prairie through the 8th grade and then he and some friends hopped a train to Moline, Illinois. Erky played the violin and organ ever since he was a child. 

On April 10, 1948 Erky was united in marriage with Alice “Toots” Marie Cooley in Alexandria, Minn.  Together they made their home in Parkers Prairie.  Erky worked for his brother driving truck for the Erkenbrack Express. Erky served in the United States Marine Corps from March 28, 1952 to March 24, 1954 and four years in the Reserves. 

Erky and Toots made their home in Linwood, California where Erky drove charter bus and was also a security guard and police officer.  They moved to Idaho Falls where he was employed with Atomic Energy until retirement and then made their home in Alpine, Wyoming. In their spare time Erky and Toots enjoyed snowmobiling, elk hunting and moose hunting.  In 2000 Erky and Toots returned to Minnesota, making their home in rural Wadena and most recently in New York Mills.  

On February 5, 2023 Erky passed away peacefully with the gentle care of Knute Nelson Hospice at Mills Manor at 95 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Bert and Jensina; siblings: Eugene Eldred, Vivian Geneva, Genevieve Signe, Muriel Evangeline, Elburne Norbert, Duane Penrhyn, and Waldo Elwyn Reid.  

Erky is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Alice “Toots” Erkenbrack; many close relatives and a host of friends.   

Please visit karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Erky’s Tribute Wall. 

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.