Gilbert Erdman

Gilbert Erdman was a kind, cheerful man who never let hard times get in his way. He enjoyed meeting new people and loved telling stories with relatives and friends.
Gilbert had a big heart and was always there for his family.

Gilbert was born July 3, 1929, in Wausau, to the late Theodore and Bertha (Baguhn) Erdman. He attended Trinity Lutheran grade school, while helping out on his family's town of Stettin dairy farm. Gilbert and Virginia became newlyweds on February 26, 1949 at Grace Lutheran Church, town of Maine, celebrating 62 years of marriage.

They continued farming while Gilbert worked for John Sloan Trucking as a driver and backhoe operator. After John Sloan's death, Gilbert worked for the town of Stettin in road maintenance. After 38 years as town of Stettin residents, Gilbert and Virginia moved to the town of Maine, operating Erdman Sand and Gravel with their son, Roger.

In his free time, Gilbert loved being outdoors; whether it was walking in the woods, hunting with his sons and grandsons, camping at Lake DuBay, or working in the sand pit.

At the age of 81, Gilbert passed away at his Rib Mountain home on Friday, June 24, 2011 surrounded by his loving family.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia; four children, Barbara (Arlyn) Schade, Sr., Roger (Karen) Erdman, Laura Bramschreiber, and Michael Erdman; 13 grandchildren, Arlyn Schade, Jr., Theresa (Gordon) Smukowski, Brian Schade, Amy Woods, Sarah (David) Peck, Randy and Kasey Erdman, Zachary, Emily, Olivia and Ali Bramschreiber, and Erica and Helena Erdman; 14 great grandchildren; special girls raised by Virginia and Gilbert, Rose, Linda, Charlotte, Debbie, Denise, Brenda, Bobbi Anzaldi, and daughter, Daniella; other family; and caring neighbors. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; and great-grandson, Brenden.

Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Helke Funeral Home; and at the church on Tuesday, at 10:00 a.m., at the church, until the service, at Trinity Lutheran Church, on Stewart Avenue, at 11:00 a.m.