Erwin Johannes
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Erwin (Ernie) Johannes was born September 8, 1929 in Chicago, IL to Gerhard and Alma Johannes. On June 10, 1952, he married Ann Hartshorn.
Survivors include his wife, Ann and his children Janet Haff of Three Rivers, MI, Carol (Tim) Voegele of Greenwood, IN, and Bruce (Debbie) Johannes of Corydon, IN. Grandchildren include Cody (Meghan) Haff, Brett (Diana) Voegele, Chad (Caitlin) Voegele and great-grandchild Jonah Voegele, Jenna (Dominic) Voegele Troiani, Leah (Daniel) Johannes Cox and Andrew Johannes. His brother Walter (Beverly) of Grove City, OH also survives.
Erwin graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Erwin and Ann moved to Covington, IN in 1956 for the start-up of Olin, a new cellophane plant.
Erwin's career then moved to the sand and gravel business, where he managed concrete ready mix and block plants.
His career progression included ownership of IC Materials, several Illinois concrete block and ready-mix plants. Erwin received a recognition award in 1992 from the Illinois Concrete Council where he served as President.
Upon retirement in 1991, Erwin assumed the role of Executive Director of the Covington Community Foundation.
Erwin also envisioned a fitness trail around Covington. He worked for many years to build the Covington Circle Trail.
Erwin and Ann were world travelers, enjoying many hiking and biking trips.
Several awards presented to him for his philanthropic dedication include recognition from the Indiana General Assembly, Banks of the Wabash River Reward for Recreation and the Covington Living Legacy Community Service Award.
Erwin served on the Covington Community School Board and as Treasurer of the Trojan Complex Construction Project. He was a member of the Covington United Methodist Church.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Covington United Methodist Church, Covington, IN at a later date. Burial will be at Waltham Cemetery, Utica, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Western Indiana Community Foundation, Covington Circle Trail or another charitable purpose of the Foundation.
Singleton and Herr Mortuary, 7602 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227, has been entrusted with arrangements.