Frank W. Erdmann

Franklin “Frank” W. Erdmann, 92, passed away surrounded by family on April 7, 2025. He was born on August 23, 1932, to his parents August and Selma (Kroenke) Erdmann.

Frank was born in Town of Richmond – Shawano County – and was raised there on the family farm. He worked hard on the farm until he was drafted into the United States Army. He served bravely towards the end of the Korean War. He joined the Menasha Police Department in 1958 where he served the community for 30 years, retiring in 1988. He met his wife Shirley at a bowling alley in 1957. After dating for about a year, they tied the knot. Together they raised 4 children.

In his free time, Frank liked to go hunting and fishing, bowling, and smoking his cigars on the front porch. He was part of a small group called the Menasha Boys. They had a Santa Clause float, game feeds, made horseradish, smoked fish… you name it, they did it. He was a member along with his long-time buddy, Dan Gries. He was part of the American Legion Post Sherwood. Him and Shirley were members of Trinity Lutheran Church of Menasha for 66 years. Frank was also very family oriented. He adored his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Shirley, children: Timothy (Lisa) Erdmann, Wendy (Jim) Rassel, Julie (Tom) VandenWyngaard, Carrie (Jim) Johnson; grandchildren: Jodi (Adam) Goerlitz, Andy Dedering, Jonathan (Shalai) Erdmann, Ashley (Christian) Smith-Bishop, Rachel Werley, Zack (Marie) VandenWyngaard, Luke Johnson, Cassandra (Trent) Toms, Niki (Jack) Parker, Sam (Samantha) VandenWyngaard, Mike Rassel; great grandchildren: Isaac, Evan, Mason, Joel, Lindsay, Savannah, Theo, Louie, Addalyn, Melayna, Everett, Walter, Hazel, Victoria, Genevieve; brother Jim (Sharon) Erdmann, sister Ruth (Norman) Wright; siblings-in-law: Jean Toeppler, Mary Beth Ganzyk, Robert Rae, Russel Rae, Bill Rae, and Jan Erdmann, along with nieces, nephews, and his good friend Dan Gries.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, siblings, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a funeral service on Wednesday April 16, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 300 Broad St in Menasha. Visitation will be from 9am – 11am with a funeral service starting at 11am. Burial to follow.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to the staff at Oak Ridge Gardens Rehab Center, memory care, and Moments Hospice.