Edwin Orlen "Charlie" Erdmann

ULM - Edwin Orlen "Charlie" Erdmann, 69, of Ulm, a retired meat cutter, died of cancer Friday at Peace Hospice.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory. His memorial service is 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. A reception at the Stein Haus will follow the service.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife of three years, Mary Jean (Ecklund) Erdmann of Ulm; his daughters, Jami Erdmann and Heidi (Kevin) Gilbert, all of Great Falls; a son, Marty Erdmann of Great Falls; sisters Mardella Bellmore of Portland, Ore., and Rose Marie (Tony) Aderle of Fort Collins, Colo.; a stepdaughter, Debbra Kay Ecklund (Jack Tome) of Stockett; his grandchildren, Tanner Erdmann, Alyssa and Natalie Woldtvedt and Charlie Penwell; his stepgrandchildren Brenda Rosin of Butte, Drew (Melisa) Rosin of East Lake, Ohio, Edward Ecklund of Great Falls and Lucas Coté of Stockett; five stepgreat-granddaughters, Brianna, Andrea, Felisa, Katie and Makenna; and a special friend, Leroy Handle of Great Falls. Charlie also leaves behind his special pets, Mague, Shadow and Spook, and his fish and turtles.
Charlie was born Dec. 8, 1939, in Zap, N.D., and raised there. He married Sandi (Cislo) Schenck in Townsend in 1964, and they had three children. They later divorced in May 1983. He later married Carol Hansen and she preceded him in death in 1996.
Charlie worked in the construction industry, at Sperry's Market and Mickey's Meat Packing, and the Great Falls Meat Co.
On April 1, 2006, Charlie married Mary Jean Ecklund of Ulm in Cour d'Alene, Idaho. He stated that made him the "happiest man in the world!" They did everything together from Grandparents of Head Start to junking at their favorite second-hand shops. He was a volunteer "Grampa" with the Opportunities Inc./Head Start. Boys or girls he loved those kids with all his heart; they meant the world to him! He also was a fisherman, enjoyed hunting, pool and loved music of all kinds.
He was preceded in death by his second wife, Carol (Hansen) Erdmann; his sisters, Betty Lou, Virginia and Eleanor; his brothers, Arthur, Delborn, Burrell, Wayne and Ralph; his stepson-in-law, James W. Baker; and stepgrandson Micheal Coté Jr.
We will miss his irresistible smile and the twinkle in his eyes! Charlie - my partner, best friend and husband, loving you now and always till we meet again…your wife, Mary Jean.
Memorials in Charlie's name are suggested to Peace Hospice, or to the Disabled Veteran's Association.
Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.