Obituary of Vern Erdman

Vern George Erdman, 97, of Jefferson, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Sylvan Crossing of Jefferson.

Vern was born on February 14, 1921 in Jefferson to Louis and Hattie Erdman.

He graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1941.

On September 28, 1946, he married Ruth Ann Becker in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson. 

Vern was a farmer, locally famous for his turkeys, which he nurtured on his six-acre farm, where the Human Society of Jefferson County is today. He enjoyed a 23-year career at Jones Dairy Farm where he retired in 1986. He loved growing things outdoors, especially his garden, flowers and trees.  He loved sports and staying current with the news.  Nobody was ever a stranger in his life.  He had great love for his family, friends, and an endearing sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ruth Ann of Fort Atkinson, his children Jacqueline (Jim) Sullivan of McFarland, Douglas (Tisha) Erdman of Key West, Florida, Jean (Tim) LaHann of Hastings, Minnesota, Thomas Erdman of Las Vegas, Nevada, Susanne (Darryl) Falk of Fort Atkinson, and Scott (Sarah) Erdman of Janesville; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters Ruth Hauser of Greensboro, North Carolina and Marian Wong of Beloit. 

He was preceded in death by brothers, Richard Erdman, William Erdman, Arthur Erdman, and a sister, Marjorie Bostwick.

Vern was dedicated to his family, lived a life of faith, and valued time with the communities of St. Joseph Catholic Church (in Fort Atkinson) and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (in Jefferson).

There will be no formal funeral service and a gathering to remember his life will be scheduled for a later date. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The family would like to thank Father Coyle, Dr. Williams, everyone at Sylvan Crossing and Rainbow Hospice for their incredible care and compassion and to all the friends and relatives who made it a point to visit Vern.  In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be made to Rainbow Hospice or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jefferson.

The Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.