Erhart Otto Papenfuss

Erhart Otto Papenfuss, 86, of Salem, Alabama passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at East Alabama Medical Center. A memorial service with military honors will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 beginning at 6:00 pm with Rev. Bud Passmore officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm. 

 Erhart was born on November 18, 1937 in Perham, Minnesota to Herman Gustov Papenfuss and Emma Steeke Papenfuss. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, with Fort Benning, GA being his last duty station. Erhart and his wife Joann remained in the area and raised a beautiful family of one daughter and three sons. During this time, he became employed with Exide Batteries where he retired after a long and successful career as a smelter. In his pastime, Erhart enjoyed fishing and gardening.

 Erhart was a devoted husband and father, who dearly loved his family. He has left a legacy for each of them to follow and will always hold a special place in their hearts. Erhart was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL.

Other than his parents, Erhart is preceded in death by his first wife of 27 years Joann S. Papenfuss. 

Survivors include his second wife Carol A. Papenfuss; daughter Benita Catrett (Jack) of Crawford, AL; sons Gregory Papenfuss (Frances) of Monroeville, AL, Timothy (Cherie) of Columbus, GA and Marcus Papenfuss (Amy) of Phenix City, AL; stepdaughters Karen McGriff (Mack) of Mobile, AL, Dawn Franklin (Keith) and Shannon Abernathy of Smiths Station, AL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.