Larry Erb

Larry Erb

Cedar Rapids

It is with deep, aching sadness and ever abiding love that the Erb family announces the passing of its patriarch, Larry A. Erb, on April 24, 2025, at the age of 80. Larry was a beloved husband, the original girl dad, the savvy mastermind behind Erb's Business Machines, an avid golfer who once scored a hole-in-one, an extrovert who seemed to know everyone, a loyal RAGBRAI rider, an in-demand advice giver, and the ultimate risk taker on mountainside trails. He will be desperately missed.

Born on New Year’s Eve in 1944, he spent his youth in Des Moines; Louisville, KY; and the Minneapolis suburbs. His family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1961 when his parents purchased a Remington Rand branch sales office which would later evolve into Erb’s Business Machines. Larry graduated from Washington High School and attended the University of Iowa, majoring in engineering. After a few years in the Twin Cities working for Sperry Univac, he returned to Cedar Rapids and joined the family business. In 1973, he met his future wife, Marsha, at a commiseration party for a failed fundraiser for the Cedar Rapids Zoo. They married in 1974. In the 1980s, he took over as President of Erb’s Business Machines and expanded the business from selling office equipment to becoming a technology solutions provider for companies, and educational and government institutions. After retirement, Larry and Marsha enjoyed wintering in Scottsdale where they could be found exploring backroads and rockhounding throughout the southwest in their red Jeep.

In his younger years, Larry volunteered with the Cedar Rapids Jaycees and the All-Iowa Fair Board. He was a longstanding member of the Rotary Club, receiving two Paul Harris medals, and also Elmcrest Country Club where he served as President (2009-2010). In his later years, he volunteered as a mentor with SCORE and as a trail steward for the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. He also enjoyed the camaraderie of the Corvair Biking Society, Cedar Rapids Road Hogs, and the Hawkeye Bicycle Association..

Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Marsha Lynn Axmear Erb of Cedar Rapids; his daughters, Erin Erb Jensen of Iowa City and Christina Erb of Lafayette, Colorado; their husbands, David Jensen and David LoVullo; and his treasured grandchildren, Eliza and Willem Jensen and Zoey and Salvator "Torrey" LoVullo. Also, his sister, Janet Nicol, her daughters and their families and his brother, David (Marilyn) Erb and their children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Charles Erb, his daughter Catherine Lynn Erb and his brother-in-law, Dan Nicol.

A funeral service will be held at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Thursday, May 15 at 10:30 am. The family requests patience, tissues, and maybe a life jacket. We are a family of criers. Memorial donations may be made in Larry’s name to the Indian Creek Nature Center, Meth-Wick Community, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Meth-Wick Woodlands staff for the loving care and compassion they provided to Larry over the past two years. Even there, in his waning years, he was well known for his level-headedness during difficult times, his earnest interest in his daughters’ lives, and his megawatt smile that would light up his whole face at the sight of his wife.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.