Bernard J. Erdmann

Bernard J. Erdmann, age 93, of Waukesha, peacefully took his last breath surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Born in Milwaukee on September 23, 1932, to Ferdinand and Marie (née Semrad) Erdmann, Bernard grew up in a close-knit Milwaukee family, near his beloved parish. His formative years at Boys Tech honed his skills in woodworking and sharpened the mechanical aptitude instilled in him by his father.

As a young man, Bernard taught dancing at the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) dances at his church. It was at one of these dances that he met the love of his life, Clara. It was love at first sight; he told her then and there that he would never ask another to dance.

Bernard was drafted into the Army, serving two years in communications while stationed in Georgia. He loved to entertain everyone with his knowledge of Morse Code—a skill so memorable that some of his grandchildren even have Morse Code tattoos.

Following an honorable discharge, he surprised his family by arriving home just in time for the holidays. In 1955, not long after his return, Bernard and Clara were married in the same church where they first met, beginning a beautiful life together that spanned 70 wonderful years and resulted in five loving children.

Bernard was a dedicated employee at Allen Bradley for many years, working as a maintenance mechanic. With his coworkers, he enjoyed competitive trap shooting and bait casting, winning numerous trophies.

His passion for working with wood led him to join his brother Richard at RE Woodworking, which later became World of Wood, specializing in high-end custom millwork. Bernard spent countless hours remodeling various homes, always leaving them better than he found them. His remarkable skills were a blessing to all his family.

Bernard embraced the outdoors through hunting, fishing, gardening, and boating. He cherished time spent at their lake cottage and their Northwoods cabin, where he perpetually had a project underway, often roping in the whole family to help. This included the memorable undertaking of building a new cabin with everyone after the original one burned down, and countless other projects too numerous to mention.

A devoted husband and father, Bernard's life was characterized by his deep love for family, his strong Christian values, and his unwavering work ethic. He lived by the Golden Rule: "to treat others like you want to be treated." He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that lives on in all who knew him.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Clara (née Carver) Erdmann, and their children: Sandra (Terry Helmbrecht) Matte, Cary (Karen) Erdmann, Susan (Peter) Menzel, Julie (Dennis) Glazewski, and Jean (Steve) Dlapa. He is the dear grandpa to Leah Evenstar, Joshua (Meghan) Erdmann, Therese (Steven) Joiner, Jacob (Kelli) Menzel, Catherine (Matthew) Levine,Roxanna Menzel, Nolan (Alyssa) Glazewski, Kelsey Glazewski, Jordan Glazewski, Cait (Jordan) Mertens, Cortney (Noe) Perez, Connor Dlapa, and Carter Dlapa. He is the proud great-grandpa to Sage, Iris, and Ember Mertens, Jace Perez, Aria and Leo Menzel, Carson Glazewski, and the expected baby Joiner. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Erdmann, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Bernard was preceded in death by his grandson, Roger Menzel, his brother, Richard Erdmann, and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bridge Church Waukesha, 1314 S Grand Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186, on Thursday, October 30, 2025 with Visitation: 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the  Service at 5:00 PM. Military Honors and a dinner reception will immediately follow. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery Friday at 10:30a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center or Smile Train.