Date of Birth: April 08, 1936
Date of Death: September 07, 2023
Erich Luther Dornbusch, formerly of Winona, MN, passed away on September 7, 2023 in Surprise, AZ. He was born April 8, 1936, in Clinton, IA, to Erich and Loretta (Oberman) Dornbusch. After graduating from Bremer County Iowa Public Schools in 1956, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from the State University of Iowa in 1958. He married Arlene Johnson in 1959 and was discharged from the Army in 1962. Erich and Arlene adopted two boys, Tim and Jeff. From 1961 to 1968 he attended the University of Minnesota with emphasis on accounting and in 1972 was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Arlene passed away in 1970. He married Georgia (Hafferman) Grove in Winona, MN in 1972 and adopted Robert and David, and together had Angela. Erich worked as a CPA and auditor at Winona State University and also taught various accounting courses on the university level. He did taxes in the spring for community members, enjoyed singing with the Winona Area Barbershoppers, and was involved in multiple rental property partnerships in Winona. He was kept very busy with the house full of kids. Georgia passed away in 1993 in Winona, MN. Erich married Mary Jo Lorge in Rochester, MN, in 1994. He retired from Winona State University in 1998, and he and Mary Jo relocated to Arizona. He enjoyed the nice weather which allowed him to play pickleball, swim, participate in many outdoor activities, and socialize at “puppy hour” with fellow pet owners in his communities. Mary Jo passed away in 2021 in Arizona. Erich was always on the go, full of interesting stories, and had a big heart and a great sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, brother David, stepsons William Schwagel and Ken Mathiason, and wives Arlene, Georgia, and Mary Jo. He is survived by his sister-in-law Valitha Dornbusch and nieces Kristine Dornbusch and Lori (Peter) Despenas of Mason City, IA; stepsons Richard Schwagel of Eau Claire, WI, and Jeff Mathiason of Hastings; children Tim Dornbusch of Choice, MN, Robert Dornbusch of Winona, MN, Jeff (Andrea) Dornbusch of Rollingstone, MN, David Dornbusch of Fresno, CA, and Angela (Clay) Chou of Eugene, OR; grandchildren Bill, Tina, and Tim Schwagel, Amanda (Jeff) Stradtmann, Jessica SanFilippo, Lily, Benjamin, Lucas, Jackson, Emmett, and Jacob Dornbusch, and Isaac Chou; and great grandson Gaige Schwagel.
Service Information
A Celebration of Life will be held at Pleasant Valley Church, 1363 Homer Rd in Winona, MN on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, tributes can be made to the prayer garden at the Fellowship Square, 16477 W Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374.
Condolences to the family members. I remember Erich as a fixture at WSU, and also noted his participation in our Barbershop singers group.
My sympathy to the family. I remember Eric well. We were hired at WSU about the same time. He did our taxes and perhaps added some financial advice as well!. May he Rest In Peace.
Sorry for your loss
MaryLou and Jerry Backens
Erich was a very special man. Always kind, loving and supportive of friends, colleagues and especially family. I cherish many memories of him. Jim and I were privileged to attend Erich and Mary Jo’s wedding. Sorry for his loss to the family.
He was an exceptional man with a huge heart.. I have so much respect and admiration for him and loved him for whole was and ehst he did for the family. He earned his peace.
In Baptism Erich became a Child of God.. Just think of all the blessings he now enjoys in that heavenly home! Blessed be his memory.