Dennis J. Erdman

Dennis John Erdman, a nearly lifelong New Baltimore resident, marked his grand finale at home surrounded by his wife of 25 years, Diane, and his daughter, Katherine, on the 4th of July. The variety and excitement of the fireworks blasting during his last moments were a perfect reflection of his vibrant life, ironic sense of humor, and colorful personality which will be greatly missed.
His early years were spent on the family farm in Chesterfield Twp. and became the source of many bedtime stories for his daughter. After eminent domain claimed the farm, his parents, Stanley and Margaret (both deceased), moved Dennis and his older sister, Carol (deceased), to Florida for a year, and then to the waterfront in sunny New Baltimore. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School and later Anchor Bay High School (Class of 1969), where he excelled as a high-speed pitcher for the baseball teams every summer for over a decade.
After graduation, he learned a variety of hands-on and creative trades – everything from carving models of dashboards for cars, typesetting for printing companies, to carpentry and home restoration. He is best known for his graphic arts business, Wyma & Associates, which was influential in many of New Baltimore's design work in the 1990s. Dennis's professional creative talents were visible on the logo for the old water tower (which he climbed in his youth!), the pavilion in the city park, logos and print work for the Fish Fly Festival and many of the local businesses at the time. He pushed for positive change for the community during his time on the Downtown Development Board.
He spent several years renovating a 100-year-old farmhouse, inspiring his next career – home restoration. He worked on numerous homes for leaders in the community as well as his own home. A shared passion for historic homes was one of the many factors that brought him and Diane, together.
He was active in his daughter's school programs, devoted himself to crafting the perfect chocolate chip cookie, mastering his 15-layer lasagna (weighing about 20 lbs.), caring for the many stray animals which seemed to find their way to his door, and figuring out the best presents for his grandchildren, Henry and Nora. He was also patriotic, deeply loved the music of his generation, and enjoyed movies from all genres, many of which he could recite by heart.
We will miss the magic he brought to our lives, his warm, beaming smile and twinkling eyes, his extra goofy faces which one could not help but laugh at. He had many medical challenges later in life and extended family members were a great support to Dennis and his family over the years. A private family memorial will be held per his wishes. In honor of Dennis's love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to Michigan Humane at give.MichiganHumane.org or 1-800-M-Humane
Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home-New Haven