David Erlbacher

David William Erlbacher, 76, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

"Peewee" was his nickname, but his personality was anything but small. He could charm a crowd or a mad customer like no other. Peewee, a funny man, will be remembered for his mischievous wit, his sense of style and his ability to fix anything.

He was born May 20, 1939, in Cape Girardeau to Edwin G. and Grace Kinder Erlbacher. He and Noel Rickard Erlbacher were married May 22, 1971, in Cape Girardeau.

He built Erlbacher Gear and Machine Works from the ground up. He was an innovative businessman who, in his early years, designed and patented a steering unit for modified and sprint race cars. It was known far and wide to make the start faster and the finish line closer. There were many "projects" in between, including becoming a major influence in the local banking community. In his later years, he was known for redesigning and modernizing an antique circular knitting machine. He began building these machines and selling them all over the world, in 17 countries and five continents.

Survivors include his wife, Noel "Riki" Erlbacher of Cape Girardeau; five daughters, Dawn E. (Gary) Ton of Memphis, Tennessee, Deborah Erlbacher of Fort Collins, Colorado, Kathryn (Kevin) Van de Ven of Maryville, Missouri, Jamie (Jeff) Mayfield of Cape Girardeau and Grayson (Larry Patterson) Erlbacher of Jackson; a brother, Jerry (Cis) Erlbacher of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Joyce (Charles) Blattner of Cape Girardeau; 10 grandchildren, Crystal Mitzner, Andrew Steger, Katie Hockaday, Steven Ton, Betsy Steger, Amy Van de Ven, Anny Van de Ven, Abby Van de Ven, Zak Mayfield and Zoe Mayfield; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an older sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, with the Revs. Jim Matthews and Dave Wiant officiating.

Pallbearers William Arnold, Cliff Crowden, Roger Graham, Rod Holshauser, Randy Rister, Bill Schoen, Darrell Schwarz, Bill Schoen and Rick Wolpers work at his shop, Erlbacher Gear and Machine Works.

A private burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hope Children's Home, 709 E. Main St., Jackson, MO 63755.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.