Ike Erdman

"Ike", AKA Ian Kent Erdman, "Brother Ike", "Mr. Ike", "Big Ike", beloved husband and father, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 89.

He was born on January 19, 1937, in Ansonia, PA, a son of the late George Erdman and Virginia (Campbell) Erdman-Hanrahan.

Ike was raised and educated in North Girard, Erie and graduated from Girard High School. Ike joined the US Navy as a Radarman, proudly served during Korea and in the Pacific aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier, and Destroyer Class USS Theodore Chandler / USS Twining. He was committed to his Veteran comrades for life and cherished the many ship reunions he attended.

After serving in the US Navy, he was accepted on the GI Bill as a diesel mechanic at the Williamsport Area Community College. He later became a highly skilled welder and most notably worked at Struthers / PDM in Warren welding the St Louis Arch, and as a welder on the Kinzua Dam. His last full-time position was with the Kane Gas Company.

Ike was passionate about many things, and "Retirement" wasn't anywhere in his vocabulary.

Music was part of Ike. He led a music band in his wilder early years, playing guitar, harmonica, and singing, preferring gospel music later in life. He was partial to 1940-60's era music. In embracing his English / Scottish ancestry he picked a musical Christian wife from England and learned how to play bagpipes at 61 years young, regularly participating in the state-wide annual Scottish Highland Games.

He developed a hobby of building and flying large model aircraft and was an expert in Twentieth Century Military History. He was accomplished in drawing, painting wildlife, and loved outdoor pursuits. He was the Chaplain at the VFW for 10 years and served in the Honor Guard for longer. Ike was an integral part of the Senior Center for over 30 years.

He could relate to anyone, loved people, was very bold in social settings and super energetic. Ike had the most memorable laugh, smile, and sense of humor. He was faithful, loyal, and held those he loved to high standards. He was a great realist and a man with no guile or meaningless pursuits. Everything he did had a purpose. Ike never stopped pushing himself, always gave to others, and never gave up. He knew how to live life to the fullest.

Ike's biggest passion and at the core of his being was that of his faith. He gave his life to Jesus Christ half way through his life in October 1982 and never looked back. He was most recently affiliated with Family Church Jamestown, and church life always took center stage in his life. He enjoyed a preaching ministry in the Bradford prison for a decade and always embraced opportunities for evangelism.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Gertrude Ann Gilmore and sister, Georgia Roberts.

Ike is survived by his English wife and best friend of 30 years, Stephanie Hobson; four children, Connie (Kevin) Carter, Ian (Amy) Erdman II, James (Carrie) Erdman and MaryJane Spagel; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

We will make every day count in his honor.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, March 2nd at Bracken Funeral Home, Inc., 315 N. Center St, Corry PA 16407 from 11 am until the time of Celebration of Life at 1:30 pm. Pastor David Bush and Pastor Tim Stahlman will officiate. The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed on the Bracken Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Extra parking is available around the Corry City Park (Maple Ave & E. Park Place), along N. Center St, and ushers will be available to assist.

Burial will be held privately at the Arlington National Cemetery Extension AKA National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made directly to a charity of one's choice, with notification of donations sent to Stephanie Hobson, PO Box 765, 210 W. 3rd Ave, Warren, PA 16365.

To sign the guest book remotely or send condolences, please visit www.brackenfh.com.