Robert "Bruce" Erlewein

MORRISTOWN- Robert “Bruce” Erlewein, age 65, of Morristown, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. Bruce was born on May 23, 1944, in Connersville, Indiana, to Joseph A. and Hazel M. (Purcell) Erlewein. He was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Connersville Senior High School in 1963 and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Indiana Central University (now University of Indianapolis). He also received a Masters of Science in Education from Ball State and an Associates in Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Bruce began his career as a biology teacher at Morristown High School. During his career at the school, he also taught physical education before becoming the Guidance Counselor. He had coached basketball and spent many summers teaching drivers’ education. After 32 years at Morristown High School, he retired. In 1996, Bruce co-owned Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield with his son and daughter-in-law, Dane and B.J. Erlewein. He returned to college to become a Funeral Director and worked at Erlewein Mortuary for three years until illness prevented him from continuing in the business. Bruce retired from the mortuary business in 2004. He was a former member of the Fountaintown United Methodist Church, the Indiana State Teachers Association, and the Rotary Club of Greenfield. Bruce loved spending time with his family. In his free time, he enjoyed refinishing antique furniture, doing crossword puzzles, and running long-distance. Bruce ran eight marathons, including the Boston, Chicago, and New York marathons. In his own words, Bruce said that he “helped raise two of the best children in the world.” Those two children, Dane A. (wife, B.J.) Erlewein of Greenfield and Tisha J. (husband, Jason) Lucas of Evansville, survive. Also surviving him are his brother, David (wife, Rita) Erlewein of Connersville; loving companion and best friend, Kathleen Inabnitt of Morristown (formerly of Greenfield); grandchildren, Gibson and Lily Erlewein and Townsend and Jenna Lucas; mother- and father-in-law, Jim and Virginia Wilson of Morristown; brothers-in-law, Donald (wife, Gwen) Wilson of Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Gregory (wife, Karen) Wilson of Henderson, Nevada; five nieces and three nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and many, many friends and former students. Bruce’s wife of 27 years, Judith M. Erlewein; parents, Joseph and Hazel Erlewein; sister, Sharon Calhoun; and infant brother, Joseph Erlewein, preceded him in death. Friends may visit to remember Bruce on Saturday, January 23, and Sunday, January 24, from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 25, at 10:30 a.m. at Park Chapel Christian Church in Greenfield. Pastor Paul Enyart and Pastor Danny Curry will officiate. Burial will follow at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown. Memorial contributions are appreciated for the Judith M. Erlewein Nursing Scholarship, c/o Erlewein Mortuary, 1484 W. U.S. 40, Greenfield, Indiana 46140. Friends may send online condolences at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com.

Robert "Bruce" Erlewein

May 23, 1944 - January 20, 2010