Lewis W. "Louie" Erb Jr.

Lewis W. “Louie” Erb, Jr., 67, of Wapakoneta, passed away Friday afternoon, December 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 18, 1958, in Lima, the son of Lewis W., Sr. and Helen M. (Timmerman) Erb. His parents survive in Wapakoneta. On April 22, 1978, he married his high school sweetheart, Cindy L. Hengstler, and she survives in Wapakoneta. Other survivors include, 3 daughters, Desiree L. (Josh) Hole, Dublin, OH, Erica L. (Doug Burke) Preston, Wapakoneta, Mindy L. (Jarret) Webb, Wapakoneta; 8 grandchildren, Derek, Makenzi, Reagan Hole, Paison, Emory, Oakley Preston, Ayla, Mylan Webb; 5 siblings, Deb (Jim) Kaeck, Pam (Gary) Halfhill, Mark (Cheryl) Erb, Mary (Jeff) Adkins, Todd (Carol) Erb, all of Wapakoneta; 3 sisters-in-laws, Cathy (Steve) Oen, Wapakoneta, Diana (Steve) Penhorwood, Celina, Vicki (Larry) Winkler, Wapakoneta; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter Kylie Lou Hole, and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Maryellen and Orval “Bud” Hengstler. Louie died following a brave battle with cancer. Even until his last days, Louie was determined to give cancer the toughest battle ever. This was no surprise to his family and friends because Louie never stopped; he was a fierce competitor and an even harder worker. His work ethic started in his early years working by his father’s side. There are stories of “Little Louie”, barely old enough to zip his own coat, climbing in the truck with his father, Louie Sr., for a full day’s work. From beginning to end, his Dad was his hero. Louie started his own working career at B&M Packing followed by G.A. Wintzers & Sons before entering full time into the family business. When he fell in love with Cindy, he found someone who worked just as hard as him, and what a pair they made. For years they worked together running Erb Poultry Inc. and Erb BBQ and Catering. Most recently, Louie served as a maintenance supervisor with LFR Properties and a bus driver with Wapakoneta City Schools. Louie was the proud father of three daughters. There was always a running joke as to which daughter was his favorite, but the truth was that Louie loved them all fiercely. He was the perfect “girl” dad. He was slow to anger, easy to forgive and there was no problem too big for him to fix. Being present was always important to Louie. He rarely missed a game or event for his children and he continued that tradition with his grandchildren. Louie could never say no to his grandchildren and constantly stopped his own projects to tackle one of theirs. Louie’s desire to help was not limited to his grandchildren; Cindy always knew her projects would be paused if Louie needed to help someone else. When he wasn’t fixing something with his dear cousin and friend, “Brother Barry” or spending time with his family, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling. He was a kind friend to so many and will certainly be missed. Louie’s family would like to thank the staff at The James Cancer Center and Mercy Health - St. Rita’s Medical Center for the kind and compassionate treatment they provided. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. A Celebration of Louie’s Life will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Kevin Hall officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends 3-7 p.m., Thursday, December 11, and 10-11 a.m., Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wapak Girls Soccer Program.

Lewis W. "Louie" Erb Jr.

June 18, 1958 - December 5, 2025