Dad, you've been a part of my life since I was four years old, and one of my earliest memories is of you and Chef Karl riding a motorcycle near the Le Pavillon Hotel. I still remember telling you, "I'm telling my mom on you; she told you not to ride the motorcycle," and you looking down at me with that big smile and laugh.

Your smile, presence, positive attitude, caring nature, and incredible heart have always been an inspiration. Your constant love for your family, your role as an exceptional provider, and your remarkable ability to show kindness and refrain from judgment, even when it might have been justified, define the core of who you were. Your life has been a true reflection of Christianity, and consistently leading by example in every aspect of your life. 

Thank you for showing us what it means to be as a real man and a faithful Christian should be. Thank you for your unconditional love, even for those who didn’t deserve it, and for living with such grace and integrity. While I hate that you’ve left us, I believe God places us here for a purpose, and when that purpose is fulfilled, He calls us home. You fulfilled your purpose beautifully, not only in God’s eyes but in the hearts of your children.

Thank you for being my dad and choosing to love and care for all seven of us when you didn’t have to. Your legacy lives on in everyone who had the honor meeting you. 

Until we meet again, 

Love,
Julie

I will miss his full of life personality and his hospitality. He was always there for my NaNan and really waited on her hand and foot. I so admired the love he had for her and his willingness to make sure she was comfortable without complaining. His Austrian background of not being wasteful was also something to be admired. He was a peacemaker and avoided conflict at all cost. He was definitely a “yes” man to every demand he was given. I will miss you Erhard but I know you are welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven and are free of pain. You have my love forever!
Terry Williams

Erhard will be missed tremendously by anyone who knew him. 
He was always kind and hospitable whenever we visited him and his wife Theresa (my wife’s aunt and Godmother). He always welcomed us with open arms and his first comment was “what can I get for you?”
I was envious of his physical condition and his zest for life. One of my fond memories was when he and aunt Theresa were visiting our house in Mississippi one year in the fall. The temperature of our pool water was in the mid 60’s, way too cold for us. However, he did not hesitate to dive in and swim several laps. A tribute to his conditioning and him being from Austria.
Goodbye Erhard. You deserve your eternal reward.
Love,
David Williams

Der Tod ist nicht das Ende, nicht die Vergänglichkeit, der Tod ist nur die Wende, Beginn der Ewigkeit. Was uns bleibt, sind Liebe, Dankbarkeit und Erinnerung. Der Tod ist die Grenze des Lebens, nicht aber der Liebe. Deine Schritte sind verstummt, doch die Spuren Deines Lebens bleiben.

In liebevoller Erinnerung von deiner Familie in Österreich.  Eleonora, Friedrich, Hermann und Claudia

Mr.  Erhard was a very nice person, hard worker. I had the opportunity to work with him at Commanders Palace restaurant in the 1980's when he was a Manager.

Mr Thumfart is a very kind and loving person. I met him during the most trying time of his life but you would never know it by how he presented himself. Always kind and smiling. From the things I’ve heard he lived life to the fullest and would do anything for anyone he met. He will be missed. He’s a role model for anyone that’s a husband or father.

Prayers for the family🙏🏽🩶
     Aleria st’Margaret’s

Sending prayers to the family…From Terry 4N at St.Margaret’s

Praying for the family…it was great pleasure to have met Mr Thumfart , he was the nicest and kindest human being I have ever encounter…sending my sincere condolences to the entire family especially his daughter Vanessa and his wife Theresa…🙏🏽🙏🏽 I deeply wish you guy’s comfort and pray that God send his angels to wrap their arms around you guys in this time of need 🙏🏽🙏🏽

I was one of many nurses that cared for him. Every now and then one patient captures our hearts and we carry the pain after our shift at home. We wish for strength, miracles, more time with his family, and no pain. We were inspired by his gentle spirit, his kindness, his smile and personality, his very cute accent, and his courage. And we watched his family never give up! I felt such privilege and value in every minute of his care. A gentle hand, a smile,  comfort, and small talks getting to know him. He was surrounded by love, he was easy to love. His daughter, and family had so much love and kindness. They all had such gratitude  but, the work we do is effortless. Thank you Erhard for all the talks, the way you always called me by name and smiled at me and told me to have a great day! You left your mark on me! You told me yes I could pray for you when I asked. Thank you. Prayers still to you and especially your family right now feeling the void. Words cannot express.

I was fortunate to meet this man in his final months.
Grace, kindness, sense of humor and  the real deal.
We need more farts in this world.

Good evening to Theresa  VANESSA and ll the familie of ERHARD  , this is the most upsetting day i find my greatest maitre_ D HOTEL  sommelier  i had  at MY restaurant for many years , he was the best .everyone loved him ,so sad . Thank you my friend and GOD bless you and your family .you will be missed . You always have been my best and always will love you thank you very much for all your hard work you put in aur place ANDREAS . We share so many memories together those longest nights the table 15 would not leave till4 or 5 in the morning . Thank you my dear friend you are a truly special person and a great husband and father ,very proud of you  rest in piece . I hope you save a table  one for us so we can still enjoy our evening together and have a glass of wine and a good cold beer .  Chef andrea apuzzo . My sincere condolences .

We are so very SORRY for your loss. We will keep the Family in our PRAYERS.
We will miss the Gentleman riding his bike through the neighborhood.
Dennis & Connie

My grandfather aka Opa was always kind to me and my father. I'd like to share a few amusing memories about him. As my Aunt Vanessa noted, he was a diligent worker who believed in maximizing value. While many old-school individuals share this trait, it became a joke between my father and me, and more recently, between my Uncle Christian and me. For example when we would use every last drop of car detailing products we would say there ya go acting like Opa. Lol

While helping with yard work at Opa and Maw Maw's, Opa gave me a worn-out extension cord for the blower. Its taped and aged condition made it appear ancient. I declined to use it, offering to buy a replacement. Opa had one available in the garage, but Opa resisted stating the aged one was still good. I teased, 'What are we waiting for, me to get shocked?' Lol. He was saving the new one for when it was really needed. Another entertaining story is when Opa would trick Maw Maw by switching the thermostat fan button to on while keeping the AC off when she asked for lower temperatures. After throughly diagnosising, testing and questioning, Opa revealed his energy saving tactic. I laughed, keeping it hidden from Maw Maw, suggesting an intermittent problem instead or maybe even a fluke. 

Lastly but not least, he was a man who demonstrated compassion. He even cut out holes in his fence so his dog could see out. This small gesture made all the difference to Prince, their pet.

Opa will be missed and his legacy will live on.

Erhard was so proud of you and all of your family.
We ara really sorry. We know this is painful.
Hans und Paula

Dear Theresa and Vanessa with the whole  family, 
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved husband and father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
We mourn with you.
Paula und Hans(Erhards cousin)

You were the best husband, father, stepfather, and caretaker any woman could ever ask for. Your kindness, patience, and devotion filled our lives with warmth and security. You were my rock, always there with a steady hand and open heart, showing us what true love and care look like.

I never knew love until I met you. You taught me how deeply someone can be cherished, and now, I can’t imagine life without you. In every small and big moment, you filled our days with laughter, support, and the gentle strength that made me feel safe and whole. I am endlessly grateful for the time we shared, and our children will forever know the incredible man who shaped our lives with his love.

It has been a pleasure being your son-in-law. You were always there for me, offering your support, wisdom, and a kind ear whenever needed. The time we spent together or simply sharing moments will be memorable.  

Your humbleness, joyfulness in life, and adventurous spirit will be treasured forever. 

Thank you for everything. You will be greatly missed, but your legacy will live on in all the lives you touched.

Love,
Christian

Dad, I miss you more than words can say. You were my everything—my strength, my guide, my hero. Life feels so empty without you here; there’s a void that nothing can fill. You were my first love and my hero, always. The pain of losing you is deeper than I ever imagined, and my heart aches in ways I can’t describe.

But I carry your love and wisdom with me every day, in everything I do. Thank you for all the sacrifices, the laughter, and the quiet lessons you taught me by simply being the incredible man you were. You are and always will be my everything, Dad. I’ll love you forever and cherish every moment we shared. Team Erhard Forever 💜

On behalf of the staff at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, please accept our condolences for your loss.

OBITUARY

Erhard Thumfart

October 8, 1941 – November 8, 2024

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

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