Ellsworth Erdman

E.H. Erdman, Age 87, of Wausau , formerly of Merrill, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at his residence.

He was born April 24, 1922 in Wausau , the son of the late Emil and Frieda Erdman. He married Mavis Fluegel, December 28, 1948 in Wausau .

Mr. Erdman was a Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Church Mutual Insurance Company of Merrill, being associated with the firm for over thirty years. He was a member of the company’s twenty-five year club, and the prestigious president’s achievement club. He was also secretary and a director of the Church Service Corporation also of Merrill.

Mr. Erdman served as president and board member of the Merrill Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Merrill Optimists Club. Also was a member of the Merrill Golf Club, A vice chairman of the Merrill Housing Authority at the time when the program started in Merrill. Also, he was co-originator of the Merrill Helping Hand Organization.

Quite involved with church related activities, he served as council member, congregation president, secretary, auditor, choir member, and with the stewardship committee of Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. Mr. Erdman was recognized and given the Lutheran Layman’s award by the Kiwanis Club of Merrill for outstanding contribution to the spiritual life and welfare of the community. He also served as an auditor for the North Wisconsin District Missouri Synod, for the ELCA he served in the capacity of Mission Interpreter. Mr. Erdman was a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church of Merrill, where he served on the church council, as well as a choir member. He currently was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Wausau .

Mr. Erdman served with the 32 ^nd Infantry Division in World War II in the South Pacific Theatre of Operations and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious and outstanding service.

He enjoyed golfing, skiing, bicycling, woodworking, reading, walking and traveling.

He graduated from grade school and high school in Wausau and from Valparaiso University , Valparaiso , Indiana .

Mr. Erdman was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Loraine Johnson and Evelyn Gwidt, and a brother, Ralph Erdman, wife, Mavis Erdman.

Survivors include: son, Lee (Karen) Erdman of York , PA and a daughter, Lynn (Thomas) Roll of Rochester Hills , MI . 5 grandchildren; Elizabeth (Rob) White, Sarah Erdman, Samuel Roll, Alexander Roll and Jennifer (Aaron) McKay.

Services will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. The Rev. Chris Sansom will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery , Wausau . Friends may call from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM Friday and again from 9:00 AM until the hour of services, Saturday at the Waid Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Pinegrove Cemetery in Wausau . Memorials can be given to the American Cancer Society.

The Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com