Ervin Shoemaker

Ervin Oliver Shoemaker, age 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his daughters on September 28th, 2013. He was born to Ernest and Hazel Shoemaker, November 12th, 1942, in Butlerville, Wisconsin. He married Kimberly Lynne Groves in 1969 and together they had four daughters; Raquel, Rachel, Amber and Jolene. He grew up in rural Wisconsin and later in lived in the Eau Claire, Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Osceola and Forest Lake areas. Erv was a talented, self-taught artist who envisioned and created one of a kind pieces of art. He began his more than 40 year career creating and printing stationary, but most knew him as a talented artist, sculptor and goldsmith. He was one of the founding artists at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Ervs proudest and most well-known work of art was a hand-carved limestone Gargoyle sculpture titled Archos, which he produced for audiences at the Festival. This masterpiece won him a prestigious first place award in the 1985 North American Sculpture Exhibition. Erv loved working with many different mediums and especially loved creating peace pipes. A favorite pipe of his included materials from each continent, meteorite from outer space and represented each race of mankind. Erv spent time as a sculptor and goldsmith working for Aveda Corporation making unique and original jewelry and perfume bottles. His work at Aveda provided an opportunity to travel to India, a time which he held dear to his heart. Some of his art has been featured in fashion magazines around the world. Erv will be remembered for his quick wit, spirit of adventure, his tenaciousness and creative spirit; which allowed him to pursue his work through many diverse endeavors. Erv is survived by his friend and ex-wife, Kimberly Groves of Taylors Falls; their children; Raquel Shoemaker-Allen of Madison, Amber (Tom) Anderson of Lino Lakes, Jolene (Tom) Roth of Centerville; and seven grandchildren; Andrea, Zachary, Aliza, Gavin, Nathan, Gabriel, and Dominic. Ervin is also survived by his siblings; Lucille, Wayne, Darlene, Dareld, Norma, Virginia, and Albert; plus many dear family and friends. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest and Hazel; infant daughter, Rachel; his siblings; William, Paul, Fern, Leo and Donald; grandsons, Aiden Robert and Jeremiah Oliver Roth. Erv and his work with be greatly missed and remembered by many. A service will be held on Sunday, October 20th, 2013 at 2:00pm at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Drive SW, Forest Lake, Minnesota. Family and friends are welcome to attend the service and reception immediately following.