Ervin W. Somerville

Ervin Wayne Somerville was born on February 23, 1940, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to Samuel and Geneva (Rusten) Somerville. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from McHenry High School. Following graduation, Erv enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served as a Radioteletype Team Chief with the 11th Air Assault Division at Fort Benning, Georgia.

After his military service, Erv earned a degree from Moorhead State College and became a Certified Public Accountant. His career began with Peat Marwick Mitchell in Minneapolis before moving to Marshfield in 1974, where he started his long and successful career in banking. He joined Central State Bank, advancing through the years until his retirement in 1997 as President of M&I Central Bank and Trust.

Erv was blessed to share his life with his beloved wife, Catherine (Katie) Strohmayer, whom he married on May 1, 1970, in Blaine, Minnesota. Throughout their 55 years of marriage, Erv and Katie built a life together based on faith in God, loving each other deeply through every season, just as they promised on their wedding day. He cherished every opportunity to spend time with his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren—who delighted in the opening of his “magic wallet.”

Erv generously shared his time, talents, and treasures for the betterment of his family, friends, church, and the Marshfield community, always striving to improve the lives of others. He will be fondly remembered for his infectious smile, playful teasing, and the unmistakable twinkle in his bright blue eyes. Whether lending a hand to a neighbor, enjoying a round of golf, spending time at the family cabin at Rock Dam, bow hunting, or tackling woodworking and landscaping projects (always finding room for “just one more tree”) or enjoying monthly 500 card club nights with dear friends—Erv brought warmth and joy to every moment.

Erv is lovingly survived by his wife, Katie, and will live on through the lives of his four children and fourteen grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon (Geral) Yarbrough; his sister-in-law, Linda Somerville; nephews, a niece, many extended family members; and a wide circle of friends and colleagues from his banking career who became like family. Erv will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy will continue through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

Erv passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Geneva; his brother, Arlen; his son-in-law, Joel; and his great-nephew, Jonathan.

Funeral services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 207 S. Cherry Avenue, Marshfield on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Heather Brown officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 East Veterans Parkway, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, and one hour before the time of service at the church. Live-streaming of the service may be viewed at: https://youtube.com/@faithlutheranchurchmarshfield?si=hanLoklycZt5-3Q1

Those who wish to honor Erv’s memory are encouraged to contribute for a memorial that will be established by the family in the near future.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com
for your convenience.

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