Lawrence (Larry) Edward Erhardt, 94, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born on May 15, 1931, to the late Joseph R. Erhardt and Celia L. (Panfil) Erhardt.
Larry graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School in 1949 and attended Aquinas College before earning a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from the University of Detroit in 1954.
In 1962, Larry founded Erhardt Construction Company, a commercial general contracting firm based in Grand Rapids. Respected within the industry for his integrity and leadership, his work included many prominent downtown landmarks including the Calder Building, Butterworth Hospital, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Van Andel Institute, Van Andel Arena, Plaza Towers, and the DeVos Place Convention Center.
Larry served his profession through leadership roles with several industry and local organizations, including the Builders Exchange of West Michigan, Associated Builders & Contractors of Western Michigan, Saint John’s Home, Villa Elizabeth, and The Right Place.
Larry was an avid outdoorsman who shared his love of sports and the outdoors with his family and friends. He enjoyed skiing, hunting, boating, fishing, and golf, and was a devoted member of Cascade Hills Country Club for over 53 years. Throughout his life, he gave generously of himself to his family, his faith, his profession, and his community.
Larry was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret (Hogan) Erhardt; his children, Mary, Joseph, and Kristin Erhardt; and his brothers, Thomas and Peter Erhardt.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Nancy (Mason) Erhardt; his children, Ann Erhardt, Maureen Erhardt, and Larry Jr. (Joyce) Erhardt; his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Rich; and his daughter-in-law, Dawn Erhardt.
His grandchildren include Valerie Hilshorst, Nicholas Erhardt, Alexander Adamson, Ashley Coakley, Nicole Erhardt, Lauren Puffer, Benjamin Erhardt, Stephanie Wilbur, Andrea Brown, Maxwell Erhardt, and Colin Rich. He was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, Michigan, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak will be concelebrating with Reverend Leonard Sudlik, Msgr. R. Louis Stasker and Rev. Tony Russo. Friends may gather at the church beginning at 10:30 a.m., prior to the Mass.
Visitation will take place on Monday, February 16, 2026, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, Michigan from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m.
The family would like to thank the staff at Raybrook Manor Holland Home and Hospice at Trillium Woods for their kindness and compassionate care provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kristin Erhardt Memorial Scholarship at Aquinas College or to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.
9 Responses
Oh Nancy you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. He was such a kind and friendly person and will be missed by many.
Oh Nancy you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. He was such a kind and friendly person and will be missed by many.
Marge Eiben
Dear Nancy…sending sympathy and love to you, Beth, and the family..certainly brought back memories…❤️ Alice
Nancy…I just heard yesterday (Feb. 11) of Larry’s passing.
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family.
Be assured of my prayers and remembrances at Mass.
“Mr. Erhardt” as I would refer to him growing up was truly a remarkable man. For his 94 years, he built more than the iconic structures we know in downtown GR, he lived with integrity and purpose. As a kid, I just thought everyone did. Such a privilege to grow up next to him and his family, to witness his strength, to learn a little about golf (especially The Masters), to walk into a garage with a deer bleeding out (I won’t forgive him for that sight), to give me a best friend in his youngest daughter, and later the privilege of meeting the kindest and most giving young man in his grandson, Max -serving as his Principal. “Mr. Erhardt” your legacy stands strong, your faith resonates with me, and so many lessons you taught are cherished blessings. Rest in peace with your Lord and Savior. – “Susie” …as you called me.
Dear Erhardt Family, A note of sympathy,love sent to express my thoughts & prayers. I will always remember meeting family & friends. Always know that Catherine would be there,if at all possible, to comfort & show deep respect!
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father and grandpa and great grandpa. He was a kind and wonderful man and I remember him from my youth when him when he and my father worked together. My dad was Roger Oosterink and I know that your dad will be missed as well. My sympathy to all of you. Prayers and blessings, Denise Mollenhauer
I worked for Hertel Plumbing & Heating Co. many years ago. We were the mechanical sub on many of the jobs Erhardt managed. Larry and his company could always be counted on to be professional and honest, and their expertise in all phases of construction jobs was head and shoulders above the crowd. He will be missed.
Dear dear Nancy,
I am so sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. May God bless you in this new journey, as you grieve, may you be surrounded by faith filled friends and family. Larry was such a good man. May he rest in peace.
In Christ’s love,
Cecilia