Peter Erlwein

The gift of Peter Thomas Erlwein was given by God almost 63 years ago to Michael and Adele Erlwein of Jeffersonville, NY. It was there, growing up with his siblings Dave (Amy), Scott (Kelly), & Julie (Mary) that his love of dairy farming began.

A gifted athlete, he thrived in the camaraderie of high school sports at Jeff-Youngsville Central School, deeply appreciating the friendships and memories made with so many teammates, coaches, fans and even rivals.

In January 1989, he asked his dairy farmer neighbor Earl Myers if he could marry his and his wife Marian’s daughter, Dawn Ethel, and become the 6th generation of caretakers for Myers Century Farm. Earl gave him two questions, “Did he really think he could handle his daughter?” and “Was he crazy wanting to farm?” Pete proved him right on both accounts and was forever grateful for how Earl and Marian worked right along with them to pursue his and Dawn’s dream of being a dairy farming family. Dawn’s siblings Shari (Lynn) Dowe, Judy (Anthony) Durkin, Janet (Ed) Puerschner and Gary (Traci) Myers also gave Pete more brothers and sisters that the family could always count on and enjoy life with.

For the next almost 37 years, Pete and his wife worked with the ones they loved the most as generation 7 and even now generation 8 joined in the traditions of Faith, Family, and Farming. Pete’s mornings began with Jesus and a cup of tea, grace at meals, and reflection at the end of each busy day, assuring that love, peace and hope prevailed throughout the challenges and trials. They solidified his faith and enabled him to clearly see God at work all around him. And if you knew Pete, you knew this is what he wanted for you too.

His precious children and grandchildren are Austin, Maegan, Evanne, Tucker and Emery Erlwein. Rianne, Mark, Axtin and Case Schwartz. Sawyer, Kelsey, Wesley, Layne and Clay Erlwein. He also had over 50 beloved nieces and nephews that held a special place in his heart, and he tried to make sure they knew it.

He was predeceased by his dad and his sweet niece, Janie Ethel Dowe, whose heavenly homecoming was the catalyst for the man in Jesus that he became. We are confident that after Pete got to meet Jesus, on January 19, 2026, she was one of the first in line to welcome him home.

A celebration of Pete’s life will be held on Saturday, January 24th at Carrland Lodge, 210 Radcliff Rd. Ferndale, NY. Visitation will be from 9-11am and the service will start at 11am. He always said he wanted everyone who attended to wear bright colors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ride to Survive - a special group helping special people, WMC Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House of Albany or Westchester, Sullivan County SPCA (where 3 of Pete’s favorite pitties were from), or Fisher House Foundation Inc. for Pete’s great respect of our military members, or all local ambulance and fire departments. Also please thank our men and women in blue, they deserve so much good and were many times mentioned in Pete’s prayers.

Dignified cremation provided by Harris Crematorium LLC. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com