Joseph R. “Joe” Erlewein, 45, passed away unexpectedly Monday afternoon June 25, 2018. Joe was born in Connersville, Indiana on February 8, 1973. The youngest of 4 children born to David R. and Rita F. (Willhelm) Erlewein, Joe’s first major achievement in life was being voted the 1973 Prettiest Baby at the Fayette County Free Fair. This recognition earned him the honor of a lifetime of ribbing at the dinner table of many family gatherings. Joe was raised near Bentonville and attended St. Gabriel Elementary School. He was a member of the Future Farmers of America and a graduate of Connersville Senior High School with the class of 1991. Joe went on to graduate from Purdue University in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in Forestry and Wildlife Management. He had worked as plant manager for several wood veneer plants in southern and central Indiana until his recent employment by Arbor Metrics Solutions as a work planner. With this job, his day was spent outside surrounded by trees and nature. Joe was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with his wife, Rebecca and their children, Ethan and Hannah. His leisure time was spent outside, sitting around the campfire with friends and family, fishing and hiking. The enjoyment Joe found in cutting firewood was something his son could never figure out. Joe’s adventurous side (more likely the protective part of being a dad) lead him to experience a different type of wildlife with his daughter, as they recently attended an outdoor music festival called Warped Tour. Joe had a quiet demeanor, a huge heart and a wry sense of humor. He will be missed deeply.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 24 years, the former Rebecca E. Cornett. They were married in Connersville at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on July 16, 1994; 2 children, Ethan Storm and Hannah Brook Erlewein all of Muncie; his parents of Connersville; 3 siblings, Kimberly Hinners of Washington State, Chris (Regina) Erlewein of Cambridge City and Jane (Joe) Wesling of Glenwood; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial visitation from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday June 30th at Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home, 1993 Cumberland Street (U.S. Hwy. 40) Dublin, IN 47335. Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made in Joe’s memory to the Arbor Day Foundation- 211 N. 12th Street/ Lincoln, NE 68508.