Lawrence E. Erhardt Sr.

05/15/1931 - 02/05/2026

Lawrence (Larry) Edward Erhardt, 94, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on May 15, 1931, to the late Joseph R. Erhardt and Celia L. (Panfil) Erhardt.
Larry graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School in 1949 and attended Aquinas College before earning a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the University of Detroit in 1954.
In 1962, Larry founded Erhardt Construction Company, a commercial general contracting firm based in Grand Rapids. Respected within the industry for his integrity and leadership, his work included many prominent downtown landmarks including the Calder Building, Butterworth Hospital, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Van Andel Institute, Van Andel Arena, Plaza Towers, and the DeVos Place Convention Center.
Larry served his profession through leadership roles with several industry and local organizations, including the Builders Exchange of West Michigan, Associated Builders & Contractors of Western Michigan, Saint John's Home, Villa Elizabeth, and The Right Place.
Larry was an avid outdoorsman who shared his love of sports and the outdoors with his family and friends. He enjoyed skiing, hunting, boating, fishing, and golf, and was a devoted member of Cascade Hills Country Club for over 53 years. Throughout his life, he gave generously of himself to his family, his faith, his profession, and his community.
Larry was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret (Hogan) Erhardt; his children, Mary, Joseph, and Kristin Erhardt; and his brothers, Thomas and Peter Erhardt.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Nancy (Mason) Erhardt; his children, Ann Erhardt, Maureen Erhardt, and Larry Jr. (Joyce) Erhardt; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Rich; and his daughter-in-law, Dawn Erhardt.
His grandchildren include Valerie Hilshorst, Nicholas Erhardt, Alexander Adamson, Ashley Coakley, Nicole Erhardt, Lauren Puffer, Benjamin Erhardt, Stephanie Wilbur, Andrea Brown, Maxwell Erhardt, and Colin Rich. He was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, Michigan, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak will be concelebrating with Reverend Leonard Sudlik, Msgr. R. Louis Stasker and Rev. Tony Russo. Friends may gather at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m., prior to the Mass.
Visitation will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, Michigan from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
The family would like to thank the staff at Raybrook Manor Holland Home and Hospice at Trillium Woods for their kindness and compassionate care provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kristin Erhardt Memorial Scholarship at Aquinas College or to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.