Our beloved husband, daddy, son, brother, grandfather and uncle Steven John Erdmann passed away on Feb. 29, 2008. Steve suffered a severe acute asthma attack. He will no longer suffer from shortness of breath or pain.
Steve was born on Jan. 18, 1960, in Billings to William and Marcella Erdmann, he was their eldest son.
Steve grew up learning from his parents the love of the outdoors. There was not a moment that he was not thinking of fishing and hunting or planning his next adventure with his brothers Mitch and Billy. There isn't a knot that he could not tie or invent. When the rods and guns were put away, Steve would pick up the guitar and make the best sounds you ever heard. Steve LOVED his old Fender Strat that his parents bought him when he was ten. There was not a song that Steve could not pick or sing.
Steve attended St. Francis School, Lewis and Clark and Billings Senior High from which he graduated in 1978. Steve then attend Billings Auctioneering School. He worked for many years at Roscoe Steel and Culvert. From there he went to Washington State where he worked at striping highways. Steve moved back to Billings in 1993 to work for Markrite Lines. What a good move it was for him; not only was he back with his family whom he loved so much, he rekindled a romance with his high school sweetheart, Shirley. In front of family and close friends, Steve and Shirley were married on March 17, 1994. Steve loved this date, it was easy for him to remember. So on St. Patrick's Day raise up your glasses and remember Steve.
On Sept. 10, 1997, Steve and Shirley were blessed with a beautiful daughter Sage Bailey Erdmann. Sage truly was the sparkle in her daddy's eye. Their love for each other was like no other. Steve also leaves behind a stepson Grant (Becca) Brewer. Steve considered Grant his son and loved him as one. Steve and Shirley also have a daughter, Crystal Erdmann who brought Steve much joy and memories, especially Crystal's golden birthday.
Steve is survived by his strong and loving wife Shirley; his parents William and Marcella Erdmann; his brothers Mitch (Rosemary) Erdmann and Billy (Dawn) Erdmann; his children Crystal, Grant, and Sage; and three grandchildren Kallie, Cash and Kelby.
Steve is also survived by his nephews Scott and Michael Erdmann, whom he loved dearly and they loved him; his nieces whom he thought were the most beautiful nieces that anyone could have, Chelcie, Meghan and Breanna Erdmann, who loved him dearly and by his most heartfelt love, his grammie Monica Lang. Steve is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Steve was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William and Minnie Erdmann; his maternal grandfather John M. VanElsen; his uncle John VanElsen; and a nephew William Robert Erdmann.
A trust fund has been set up for Sage Erdmann at Little Horn State Bank where donations can be made.
A vigil for Steve will be held at 5.30 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, at Michelotti-Sawyers, 1001 Alderson. Funeral Mass will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 5, at. St Patrick's Co-cathedral. Cremation will follow the services.
Following mass we would like our family and friends to join us in celebrating Steve's life at the Knights of Columbus at 2216 Grand Avenue. Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.michelottisawyers.com
This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.
