Julius E. Erlenbach

Julius Erlenbach ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by James Funeral Home on Mar. 1, 2026.Julius Edmund Erlenbach, 82, of Huntersville, NC, died February 28, 2026, at his home. He was born on January 20, 1944, in Evanston, IL to the late Julius and Johanna Guenther Erlenbach.Julius attended Oberlin College, where he met his beloved wife, Rebecca Brown. He received his Doctorate from Northwestern University in 1970. Julius spent several years as a Professor of Music (French horn) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and in 1980, he transitioned into higher education administration as Dean of The College of Fine Arts at Drake University. Julius became Vice Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1986 and attained the position of Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 1996. He retired in 2010 after spearheading a successful capital and building campaign at UWS. Julius is fondly remembered by his colleagues for his exceptionalism, service, brilliance, humor and leadership.Julius embraced life with passion, love and generosity. He loved and enjoyed sharing mysteries, Shakespeare, classical music performances, gourmet cuisine, and travel with his devoted family and his many friends. He also found joy in practicing his German, tending his rose bushes, and practicing his karate black belt forms. His pride in his children and grandchildren was evident to all who were blessed to know him.Julius was a gifted musician and professional French horn player. During his later years, his most enchanted musical audience consisted of his grandchildren, who would prevail upon him to play his spirited renditions of "Beer Barrel Polka", "The Clarinet Polka" and "The Happy Wanderer" on his accordion.Julius and wife Becky travelled extensively, with Northwestern and UWS alumni groups, with close friends, and their children to 6 continents. Over the last fifteen years, Julius and Becky delighted in meeting their children and grandchildren for family reunion travels in Germany and Scotland, as well as in Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, California, North Carolina, Washington and Alaska.Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Rebecca Jane Brown Erlenbach; daughters, Elisa Johanna Erlenbach Maas (Brian Maas) of Chadds Ford, PA and Erika Margaret Erlenbach (David Kostmayer) of Huntersville, NC; son, Julius Elton Erlenbach (Carla) of Mankato, MN; sister, Johanna Erlenbach of Flat Rock, NC; grandchildren, Caleb, Audrey, Elena and Asher; cherished relatives; treasured friends; and numerous grandpets.In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Julius' memory with a gift to "The Erlenbach Scholarship Fund" at the UW-Superior Foundation (Supporting Scholarships and Programs - UW-Superior), or to a charity meaningful to you.A celebration of life will follow at a later date.James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. https://jamesfuneralhomelkn.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.