Ervin Arnold Walvatne

Walvatne, Ervin Arnold of Minneapolis, age 86, passed away on December 10, 2009, surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vivian; parents, Alfred and Clara Walvatne; and siblings, Casper, Abner and MaryAnn (Carlson). Raised on a farm in Battle Lake, MN, Erv was the first in his family to go to high school, walking several miles in order to do so. He attended Augsburg College and, after serving in the Navy during WWII, received his B.E.E. in 1951 at the University of Minnesota. He worked for Electric Machinery Mfg., initially troubleshooting turbines and generators throughout the U.S. He then developed and ran the test department until his retirement at E.M. For the next several years, he and his son, Joel, were in business together. A man of great faith in his Lord Jesus Christ, he and Vivian were married for 51 years until her death in 2006. Erv will be remembered as a gentle, generous and kindhearted man who would do anything for anyone. He is survived by his children, Laura (Scott) Erickson, Edward (Gerry), Craig (Stephanie), and Joel (Diane); grandchildren, Sarah, Michaela and Matthew Erickson, Andrea and Blake Walvatne; 6 siblings, multiple nieces and nephews. We will miss this wonderful man of God who always left us with "I love you and all of yours". Visitation, Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 4-7 PM with service at 7 PM at Methven-Taylor Funeral Home, 706 - 4th Avenue NW, New Brighton, MN. Interment Skibtvedt Cemetery, Battle Lake. Memorials preferred. www.methven-taylor.com New Brighton Chapel 651-636-9821