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SLAYTON--Leroy "Pat" Erpelding, 81, of Slayton, formerly of Woodstock, Minnesota, died September 9, 2026, at Our House Hospice of Murray County. Pat was born August 7, 1945, at Adrian Hospital to Leo and Genevieve (Armstrong) Erpelding. He grew up on the family farm near Woodstock, where he learned early the value of hard work, family, and community. He attended St. Martin's Catholic Church and grade school in Woodstock before continuing his education in Pipestone. During his junior year, Pat left school to help his father on the family farm, beginning a lifetime marked by hard work and a willingness to take a different path when circumstances required it. In October 1961, Pat met Carol Ann Peterson at the Hollyhock Ballroom in Hatfield. They married on December 4, 1962, and began their married life on a farm east of Woodstock. Together they raised five daughters: Deb, Cheryl, Amy, Brenda, and Katherine "Kate." Over the years, Pat farmed and worked at Armour's Egg Processing and Marigold Dairy. In 1966, he attended VoTech in Austin, Minnesota, studying Farm Implement Parts Management, which led him to work for Mathews Brothers Implement near Owatonna. In 1970, the family moved into a newly built home on 10th Street in Pipestone, where they continued raising their family. Pat was never afraid to try something new. In 1985, Pat and Carol opened Pat's Pizza Shack, a business for which Pat became well known throughout the community. They operated the Pizza Shack until selling it in 1989. Pat's years in local business continued in 1990's when he purchased the Woodstock Grocery Store and Cafe, where he worked alongside his daughter Amy. Beginning in 1992, Pat helped Amy with Pizza Ranch in Tyler MN and continued working with her until 2006 when the business was sold. During those years, Pat and Carol were also involved with the Slayton Pizza Ranch, which was later sold. Through these businesses, Pat spent many years doing what came naturally to him--working hard, visiting with people, and working alongside his family. Pat loved Ford pickups and Massey Ferguson tractors, favorites that reflected his lifelong connection to farming, machinery, and the country roads of southwest Minnesota. Those who knew Pat knew where his loyalties stood when it came to a good pickup or tractor. Pat also believed in serving his community. He served with the Woodstock Fire Department and as a First Responder. He was active with the St. Martin's Catholic men's group, helping prepare and serve many roast beef dinners for the church's annual fall festival. He also took part in community milestones, including the Slayton Centennial in 1987, the Woodstock Centennial in 1992, and St. Martin's Centennial in 2008. After farming and restaurants were done, Pat enjoyed work camping and traveling. Beginning in 2004, he spent several seasons working and seeing new places, including time in Texas, before his final work-camping season in 2009. During the last year of his life, Pat was blessed with special friends and caregivers whose kindness allowed him to remain in his home at Sunrise Apartments, where he wanted to be. His granddaughter Hailey, Nancy Peterson and Dan Onken, Lisa Swartz, Chantel Clauson, and Bobbi Jo Cote gave generously of their time, friendship, and compassion. Their care meant a great deal to Pat and his family. Following an illness in July 2026, Pat entered hospice care, where he received comfort and support during his final days. His family is deeply grateful to everyone who helped care for him along the way.
Pat is survived by his five daughters and their husbands: Deb and Michael Geister, Cheryl and Daniel Fessenden, Amy and Mark Benda, Brenda and Tom Banks, and Katherine "Kate" and David Safstrom. His grandchildren include Jordan Geister; Jaron (Beauty) Geister; Ashlyn (Archie) Jones; Christopher Ninemann; Hailey VanEck; Zachary VanEck; Justin Benda; Carter Benda; Mason (Alysha) Walberg; Dylan Walberg; Zach Banks; Gabe Banks; Ian Banks; Liberty (Luke) McKim; and Lauryn (Jacob) Keith. Pat was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren: Amiyah, Brantley, Paxtyn, Everleigh, Huxley, Emersyn, Kalypso, Kolter, and Ocean. His great-granddaughter Amiyah held a particularly special place in his heart. During the last five years, she spent countless hours with her great-grandpa, helping care for him, keeping him company, and sharing everyday life with him. The bond they shared meant a great deal to Pat and gave him many moments of comfort and happiness. Pat is also survived by his brother, Lloyd Erpelding and his wife, Carolyn; his sister, Donna Platt; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Rachel Joy; his parents, Leo and Genevieve Erpelding; his brother, Merle Erpelding; his sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Tom Probst; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Platt.
His greatest legacy is the family he leaves behind. They will continue telling his stories, sharing his memories, and remembering all the things that made Pat uniquely Pat.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Memorial Services will be held at St. Ann's Church in Slayton, MN on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. Interment is at St. Martin's Cemetery in Woodstock, MN.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com