Harland Erfurth

MOUNT VERNON / MOUNT HOREB - Harland Paige Erfurth, age 91, went home to heaven and into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 5, 2026. He died very peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Harland was born on March 24, 1935, at home in Primrose Township near Mount Vernon, Wis., to Gerald and Frieda (Goeldner) Erfurth. Growing up, he spent much of his time at his grandfather's farm just outside Mount Vernon, where he learned the value of hard work and made many good memories.

Harland attended school in Mount Vernon through eighth grade, then attended Verona High School, where he was a letter winner in football and basketball all four years. He graduated in the Class of 1953 along with his classmate and valedictorian, Nona Moore. They became high school sweethearts and were married on May 12, 1956, at the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Mount Vernon. They became proud parents to four children, Kate, Jay, Rob and May.

Just prior to their marriage, Harland bought the blacksmith shop in Mount Vernon. It had been out of business for many years, and it was turned into a gas station and an automobile and farm repair shop. In 1959, he purchased the Mount Vernon garage just a few doors down and operated it as a full-service gas station - Erfurth's Citgo - to go along with the repair business. He ran it for over 50 years before retiring in 2006. In 1970, he was joined by his brother-in-law, Gerald Trainor, and the business became Erfurth-Trainor Citgo for several years. Many great memories were made at the station with numerous people stopping in for free coffee or a bottle of Ting soda pop. Kids were always treated to suckers and candy bars. He really appreciated his customers, and there often would be a transaction on a reduced or no-charge basis. Whether kids or adults, Harland loved them all. In fact, a group of guys who stopped daily decided to call their group the "Liar's Club,” and many of the world’s problems were solved during their sessions. Harland also purchased Jerry's Bulk Service after his father's death and delivered gas and fuel oil products to area customers. He was a school bus driver for the Belleville and Mount Horeb school districts for many years.

Harland was a very community-oriented man and had a heart of gold. He coached Little League, played both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball, bowled for many years, and was on the Mount Vernon Tug of War team. He was very involved in almost every Mount Vernon community event, as he presided as the “Mayor” of Mount Vernon. He and Nona were honored as marshals for the Mount Vernon 175th birthday parade. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Fire Department, the Parent Teacher Association, and the Mount Vernon Park Board. He served as president of the Mount Vernon Cemetery Association until his death. Harland was a member of the Zwingli United Church of Christ in Mount Vernon, where he was a pillar in his church community, and most recently also attended New Hope Church in Mount Horeb. His personal and financial support for many organizations was widespread, with Young Life, Child Evangelism Fellowship, and Village Missions amongst his favorites.

Woodworking was one of Har's biggest hobbies, and he could make just about anything. Each of his family members has received homemade gifts from Harland over the years, which will always be treasured. Deer hunting in the Humbird, Wis., area was a tradition he created and enjoyed for many years with his sons and grandsons. There were many laughs and many memories made together. He was an avid euchre player all of his life and followed Wisconsin sports - especially the Packers and Brewers - very closely. Harland and Nona enjoyed snowmobiling in their younger years. They also traveled to Branson, Mo., for over 35 years for Stonecroft Ministry and Christian Women's Club events. They traveled to Europe twice and went on numerous cruises. They eventually started Har-Non Tours, where they planned many day trips to entertainment venues in Illinois and Wisconsin for their friends and family.

After living in the Mount Vernon area for over 80 years, they sold their house on the hill, which they had built in 1963, and moved to The Homestead Cooperative in Mount Horeb. Although it was a difficult decision to move, Harland and Nona enjoyed being a part of the wonderful Homestead Cooperative "family."

Harland is survived by the love of his life, Nona; his four children, Kate (Steve Rackow) Compton, Jay (Diana) Erfurth, Rob (Lori) Erfurth and May McKinney. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his goddaughter, Julie Tyler; his sister, Geraldine Trainor; his brother-in-law, Richard (Karen) Moore; and numerous nieces and nephews, along with his countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Frieda Erfurth; his mother and father-in-law, Earl and Elsie Moore; his son-in-law, Mitch Compton; and his brothers-in-law, Gerald Trainor and Ron Moore.

A funeral service will be held at New Hope Evangelical Free Church, 639 S. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, with Pastor Matt Young presiding, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral and Cremation Care, 500 N. Eighth St., Mount Horeb, from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Burial will be held at Mount Vernon Cemetery.

Harland loved his faith, his family, his friends, his customers, and his community, and will be greatly missed by many.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb
Funeral & Cremation Care
500 N. Eighth St.
(608) 437-5077