John C. Elerding Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father John C. Elerding, Sr. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family September 23, 2025, He was 85 years old

Born on August 22, 1940 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the son of Harry Lester Elerding a Civil Engineer and Pearl Kathryn Kruger a School Teacher. He was athletic and played basketball, volleyball, ran track and field and was a wrestler. He was a life guard at Sandy Point State Park.
He graduated from Annapolis High School in 1959 where he met Janice. He liked cruising in his Pontiac Chieftain Tri Power Convertible in Powder Blue while listening to Buddy Holly, Elvis and Fats Domino.

After high school he proudly joined the United States Air Force where he Honorably served on active duty as an Airman Second Class till 1963. He served in Albuquerque, NM and the Nevada Test Site.

He married his high school sweetheart Janice Ann Moreland in 1963 in Annapolis, MD. John started his career at General Motors Chevrolet in Baltimore, MD where he made lifelong friends.

He furthered his education in Business Management at The University of Baltimore and Loyola University.

Professionally he worked as an Executive at XEROX Corp. He enjoyed a successful 31 years retiring at age 58. Known to all by the name "Dinger", he never missed a day of work.

Together they raised 3 children in Baldwin, MD. John Jr, and Identical Twin Girls Kathy and Carol. He was a devoted husband and father, always there to offer guidance and love. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially around holidays and at the beach. He loved music especially The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones.

After 30 years in Baldwin they relocated to Shalotte, NC for a retirement adventure living on a golf course. He had a deep sweetness. When he looked at you his smile would shine right through your heart.

A fan of Maryland's Eastern Shore , they decided to move closer to their grandchildren and moved to Oxford, MD. There was a calmness living on the water. He loved his life, he loved his family and cared deeply about his friends. He loved Golf, Fishing especially fly fishing, nature and Bald Eagle Sightings. They celebrated a vowel renewal for their 50th wedding anniversary and were happily married for 61 years

He was the very BEST Poppy to his loving Grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Janice Ann Elerding (nee Moreland) he is survived by John Carl Elerding, Jr and his wife Susan M. Elerding, Kathryn A. Elerding, Carol L. Elerding Hammond and her husband Dr. Kim J. Hammond; Loving grandfather of Allison Diane Elerding, Harrison James Fortney, Griffin Russell Fortney and Stella Mary Louise Hammond; He treasured his 4 legged companions Butch, Maggie and Hope and was known to spoil them.

John lived his life with stoicism, grace and positivity. He was a true gentleman! He leaves behind a legacy of LOVE.