Herbert G. "Doc" Erhart, M.D.

Herbert G. "Doc" Erhart of Eagar, former physician at White Mountain Regional Medical Center, local builder and international hunter, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, June 4, 2017 in Eagar at the age of 91. Born April 17, 1926 in Louisville, Kentucky, Dr. Erhart was a graduate of the University of Louisville Medical School, a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice, and a Fellow of the American Geriatric Society. In 1962 the Louisville Courier Journal featured the life struggles he and his wife Lucie had with 9 children, working full time, going to medical school and graduating at the age of 36. He was a World War II Combat Veteran with the 69th Infantry Division and received the Bronze Star for his service; a volunteer member of the Combat and Recon Patrol of the 2nd Battalion, 271st Regiment and was at the Elbe River when the link up with the Russians ended the war in Europe. Dr. Erhart was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, a life member of the American Legion and the National Rifle Association and Charter Member of the NRA Whittington Center. He was a member of the WWII Memorial, the Safari Club International, the 69th Infantry Division Association and founding member of the National Law Enforcement Officers Museum. He was an NRA and AZ Firearms Safety Instructor for 10 years and enjoyed big game hunting in many African countries, Australia, New Guinea, Canada, Alaska and a number of the lower 48 states. He was an Arizona licensed building contractor and developer, often seen pounding nails prior to heading to the hospital for "rounds." As he often told family, his most treasured accomplishment was to marry Lucie Marguerite Frenke on August 21, 1948 and father 10 children. He is survived by his brother, John (Peg); sisters, Mary Ann Duff, Frances (Jim) Sudol, Barbara (Tom) Butler and Debra (Tom) Ewing, his children, Chris (Frank) Gudorf, Pat (Roy) Mottahedeh, Bobbe (Norbert) Stahl, Vickie (Steve) Montgomery, Connie (Rob) Martin, Jeff (Diane), Greg (Jacque), Alex (Barbara) and Steve (Susan), 35 grandchildren and over two dozen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Lucie, his daughter, Jacqueline, his parents, brothers, Robert and James and grandchildren, Victor, Crystal, Justin and Isaiah. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Springerville, followed by a buffet at the church hall. A Post Everlasting Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the American Legion. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the American Legion Post #30, in Springerville.