Erma Jean Katchmark

Erma Jean Katchmark, age 94, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026.

Erma was born on December 13, 1931 in Kerrick, MN to Ignatz and Esther (Oberg) Pionk. She attended school in Moose Lake, MN. Erma met Ted Katchmark at a dance, and they were later married. They moved to Lead, South Dakota where Ted worked in a gold mine. While living in South Dakota, Ted and Erma were blessed with their first child, Linda. The family then moved to Duluth, MN where they had their second child, Ron, and then they later moved to Circle Pines, MN. Erma worked in the ammunition department at Honeywell, where she eventually retired from. Ted and Erma loved to travel, and they saw many places over the years. They also had a motorhome and wintered in Yuma, Arizona.

Ted passed away in 2007. Erma later reconnected with a longtime friend, Melvin White, and they were united in marriage in 2014. They lived a short time in Stacy, MN before moving to Isanti, MN. Recently, Melvin and Erma had moved to Ecumen in North Branch, MN, where she lived until her passing.

Erma liked to knit macrame chairs and loved to give them to her family as gifts. She also enjoyed going to the casino and playing blackjack.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Ted Katchmark; brothers, Robert Pionk and Richard Pionk; sister, Audrey Rustad; and two step-brothers, Virgil and Erwin Varnes.

She is survived by her husband, Melvin White; son, Ronald Katchmark; daughter, Linda Miller; grandchildren, Brian, Denise, Dana, Tara and Ronald; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Duane (Sandy) Pionk; and other loving friends and family.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stacy, MN with a visitation one hour prior.

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