Dr. Erich A. Vierthaler, 69, of William Flynn Highway, Slippery Rock, died Tuesday at the Butler Memorial Hospital.

Born Aug. 6, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wis., he was the son of the late Arthur Vierthaler and Ruth French Vierthaler.

Dr. Vierthaler retired from Slippery Rock University in May 2005, where he was a professor of sociology.

He was a 1959 graduate of Waunakee High School, Waunakee, Wis. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1963 and his master's degree in 1965. He went on to earn his doctor of philosophy, Ph.D., in 1982 from the University of Pittsburgh.

He was a member of the Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties, the Butler County Labor Council and the Community Development Corp.

He enjoyed reading, history and geography.

Dr. Vierthaler is survived by his wife, Nancy E. Cratty (Graham) Vierthaler, who he married Nov. 28, 2005; one son, Hans Vierthaler of Orland, Maine; one stepson, Eric Graham of Butler; two daughters, Heidi Vierthaler of Freeport, Maine, and Karla Vierthaler and her husband, Jason Eleuteri, of Camp Hill, Pa; one stepdaughter, Julie Graham of Butler; one granddaughter, Mia Vierthaler of Brooklyn, Maine; three step-grandchildren, Robyn, Jonathan and Anthony Graham of Butler; one brother, Michael Vierthaler of Madison, Wis.; two nieces; and two nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Vierthaler was preceded in death by two brothers, Kurt and Paul Vierthaler.

<B>VIERTHALER </B>— There will be no public visitation or services for Dr. Erich A. Vierthaler, who died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. Arrangements are under the direction of the <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, Butler. Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.