Don I Erdman

Don Erdman, age 89, of Rochester, MN passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Season's Hospice House in Rochester, MN after a recent diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Don was born August 10, 1935, in Mantorville, MN to Irvin and Ruth (Brennand) Erdman. He grew up in Chatfield, graduating from Chatfield High School in 1953. He enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at bases in Rochester and Finland, Minnesota, during the Korean conflict.

On November 28, 1954, Don married Jean Reynolds at Peace Church in Rochester. They built their life together in Rochester, where Don worked for IBM and Gopher Aviation. In 1962-63, Don completed schooling for radio broadcasting at Brown Institute. He was first hired by KMHL Radio in Marshall, but soon signed on with a brand-new station in Rochester, KOLM, as chief engineer and morning broadcaster. In 1967, Don was recruited by Dr. Earl Wood of Mayo Clinic to join his biodynamics research unit. Don went on to become supervisor of this unit and served as a valued member of Dr. Wood's team until retirement in late 1994.

Don was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and held many different roles there, including elder, Sunday School Teacher, and innovator of the church's live radio broadcast. Don loved the outdoors and passed along that passion to his sons and other boys as a Boy Scout Leader. Don's favorite leisure activities were camping and fishing, especially on and along the Mississippi River. He and Jean owned a trailer in Lake City for many years and have great memories of time shared there with family and friends. Don continued fishing until last summer, when he finally decided to park his boat and cast his line from shore.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jean Erdman. He is also survived by children, Pamela (Todd) Erickson of Spicer, MN, and Peter Erdman of Eagan, MN. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Tony (Lisa Neu) Kapinos, Peter (Nicole) Kapinos, Abbey Combs (Trinity Hollon), and Michael (Marissa) Erdman; and ten great grandchildren, Madison (Zach), Madeline (Riley), Dominic, Gabriel, Gillian, Eliza, Mikiah, Mathias, Anthony, Grayson, Vivian and Callum.

Don was preceded in death by his father in 1948, his mother in 1994, and his son, Paul Don Erdman, in 2015.

The family wants to express gratitude to Season's Hospice House for the care Don received there and the privilege of spending his last days enjoying nature outside his windows.

A funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, January 10th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held an hour prior. Interment will take place at Chatfield Cemetery in Chatfield, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Erdman family.