Longtime Goodland, KS resident, Ervin Luverne Elfman, Jr., 87, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, CO. Ervin “Erv” Elfman — lovingly known as Sonny to his siblings and friends, and Papa to his grandchildren — lived a life full of laughter, generosity, and love.
Ervin was born on March 25, 1938, in Hampden, ND, to Ervin L. and Beatrice (Glock) Elfman, Sr. He was one of seven children. He attended school in Starkweather, ND and graduated from Starkweather High School in 1956.
On June 15, 1961, Ervin married Rita Joyce Froehler in Starkweather, ND. To this union came two beloved adopted children, Rhonda and Julie.
After moving to Goodland in 1982, Ervin quickly became a proud and active part of the community. He was a member of the Jaycees, Elks, VFW, American Legion, Pheasants Forever, the U.S. Bowling Congress, and the Moose Lodge. One of his proudest milestones was receiving his 60-year membership pin from the Eagles — a testament to his lifelong dedication and sense of camaraderie. Ervin also lived his faith as a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland.
Erv was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Audrey Huthansel; his brother, Ralph Elfman; his niece, Stephanie Darby; and his nephew, David Elfman.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Rita, of their home in Goodland; and by their two daughters, Rhonda Morey of Graham, Texas, and Julie Abbott of Ogden, Kansas. His legacy continues through his six grandchildren — Jessica (Daniel) Spaeth, Taylor (Ryan) Bohannan, Haley (Zach) Ackerman, Chelsey Horney, Alan Brown, and Rachel (Gary) Lawrence — and his eleven great-grandchildren: Levi, Chloe, and Stella Spaeth; Mirabelle and Maverick Bohannan; June, Hazel, and Wylder Ackerman; Elisabeth Brown; and Abel and Jed Lawrence. He is also survived by his four sisters: Elda Blake, Lois Canfield, Phyllis (John) Darby, and Avis (Jim) Alcorn.
Erv loved the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life — fishing, bowling, and hunting were among his favorite pastimes. But more than anything, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When the kids were around, he was rarely seen without a baby on his lap and never without a smile on his face. He knew no strangers and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Though he could dress to the nines, he had a special fondness for a good dive bar, an ice-cold Bud Light, and the occasional shot of Jäger. His sister Elda determinedly taught him to dance, and from that moment on, he could—and would—cut a rug at any occasion, especially on a Friday night at the VFW.
Ervin’s legacy lives on in the stories, laughter, and love of the family and friends who were lucky enough to know him. May his line stay tight, his Bud Light stay cold, and the pheasants always be waiting.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Goodland with Father Carlos Ruiz officiating. Burial with Military Honors was held in the Goodland Cemetery.
Visitation was held on Sunday, Nov. 9 at Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland.
Memorial contributions may be made out to the Ervin Elfman Memorial Fund and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons- Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.
Services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Goodland, KS.
