Richard Erdmann, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, December 11, 2016. He was born December 18, 1930 in Marinette, Wisconsin to Ed and Ella Erdmann. He was baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit on January 18, 1931 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church of Marinette, Wisconsin. Thirteen years later he professed his faith, being confirmed in the same congregation on May 28, 1944, given John 15:5 as his memory verse: “I am the Vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without Me ye can do nothing.”

Dick attended elementary and high school in Menominee, Michigan - where he played football for the Maroons. Upon graduation, Dick went on to attend Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He also studied at Michigan State College in East Lansing, Michigan, graduating in 1953. He served two years in the United States Air Force. On September 9, 1961, he was united in marriage to Judy Peterson. They celebrated fifty five years of marriage. He had a long career in financial services - Dick was an independent insurance agent. He enjoyed woodworking, boating, camping, and Scrabble. Dick had resumed his love of flying from his Air Force years by attaining his private and commercial pilot licenses. He was loyal to his alma mater, MSU - an avid Spartan Fan. ‘Paches, his Springer Spaniel, was a most devoted companion. Dick was a volunteer with the Fort Custer Honor Guard in Augusta, Michigan and he was a trained Stephen Ministries Visitor.

Dick is survived by his wife Judy and their three children: Karl and his wife Lori of Parchment, Michigan; Carrie and her husband Rob of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Rich and his wife Jeanette of Midland, Michigan; and seven grandchildren: Annie, Kerry, Janie, Robby, Ryan, Rachel and Jillian. He is also survived by his sister Carol of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and three nieces. Dick is a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church on Bronson Blvd. Visitation is before the service from 10:00 – 11:00. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Fort Custer National Cemetery Survivor‘s Assistance.

After living here on earth for 85 years, 11 months and 23 days, he now enjoys life eternal with his Savior Jesus Christ in heaven.

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