Madlyn L. Erdman

Wednesday, June 23, 1920
Date of Death:
Friday, August 12, 2016
Age:
96 years old
Madlyn L. Erdman
Madlyn LaVohne Erdman, age 96, of Rochester, MN died peacefully Friday, August 12 surrounded by her loving family.
Born June 23, 1920, in Alvord, Iowa, Madlyn was the daughter of Leo and Loretta O’Connor. After graduating from Alvord High School, in 1938, she attended Western Union College where she successfully received her teaching credentials. After receiving her teaching license Madlyn taught in a rural school in Lyon County, Iowa. In 1942, she moved with her family to Iowa City, Iowa. After further study at the University of Iowa she became a second grade teacher in Lisbon, Iowa.
In 1945, Madlyn and Staff Sergeant Bernard (Barney) W. Erdman were united in marriage at the post chapel in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Once Barney was discharged from the army they moved to Lisbon, Iowa where they began a family and both taught school.
In 1952, Madlyn, Barney and their three children, Michael, Molly and Prudence, moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In the following years three more children were born: Kevin, Ellen and Elizabeth. She and Barney raised their children in the family home on Blake Boulevard where they lived for fifty-three years. Madlyn was a loving homemaker and devoted mother and wife. She and Barney were married for sixty-four years.
Madlyn and Barney were fifty-year members of St. Mathews Catholic Church and long time members of the University of Iowa Alumni Association. Madlyn was a life-time member of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed needlework, gardening, cooking and entertaining, especially her large family.
Madlyn is survived by her six children, Michael (Sheila) Erdman, Molly Martin, Prudence O’Connor, Kevin (Nancy) Erdman, Ellen (John) Huston and Elizabeth Friedenfeld; eighteen grandchildren, Sara, Michael, Elizabeth, Nathan, Paige, Colleen, Faith, Olivia, Hannah, Maddy, Kathryn, Beatrice, Henry, Emma, Will, Jake, Cooper, Eleanor and two great grandchildren, Sophia and Lilly.
Madlyn was preceded in death by her husband Barney, older sister Teresa, twin sister Margaret, their husbands Harold and Dick, one niece and her parents.
In lieu of flowers, the Erdman family requests memorials be sent to Seasons Hospice (Rochester, MN) or Mercy Hospital Foundation (Cedar Rapids, Iowa).
Condolences
The family of Madlyn L. Erdman has received the following condolences.
Erdman Family:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
May God give you peace.
With Sympathy,
Danette
My deepest sympathies to all of Madlyn's family and friends as we endure the loss of her brilliant and inspiring life. As I refelect on my time with Madlyn, I'm struck by her warmth, benevolence and everlasting beauty. I appreciate her brave style, her loving voice and the strength and depth of her character. Lastly, as I looked into Madlyn's beautiful eyes, I saw my grandma's (Marge), a sight that would overcome me with joy and sorrow. I know their bond, along with Terea, was powerful and timeless. My love to ALL those those gathered to celebrate her life today, I'm with you in heart and spirit.
Blessings and Peace,
Megan Corcoran
To the Erdman Family,
Barney and Madlyn were very special people. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know them as friends over the past 30 years. Barney's humor and Madlyn's kindness are how I will remember them. I loved hearing Madlyn talk about her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I will miss visiting with her on the phone. She was a great person.
I will keep the Erdman family in my thoughts and prayers.
Pete Alepra
Mick, Molly, Pru, Kevin, Ellen, and Liz -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you this week, and great memories as well. Holiday family dinners, celebrations, and vacations at the lake with just the right balance of fun and mischief. Your Mom and Dad were outstanding people who created a wonderful family and endless, lasting memories for all of us to enjoy. Family is forever.
John and Co
My deepest sympathy to Mike and Ellen and the rest of the family. My prayers are with you.
-Linda McNamara Earley
Ellen:
Just learned of your mother's passing last night. Heartfelt condolences to you, and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Will write separately, later.
G.
Molly and family,
I am so very sorry to learn your beautiful mother has passed away. From the time I met Molly in seventh grade, I've been impressed by what a close family you have had.
I hope your faith, family and good memories will sustain you at this time.
You have my deep sympathy.
My deepest sympathy to your family. I was just re-reading the old secretary notes from blue birds and camp fire and reading how your mom had on March 7 1960 a popcorn party and we played bingo at your home in Blake. And the lovely graduation party she had when Molly and I graduated. She had many children to raise and clearly spent the time. Mom and Dads are so very special in our lives. I hope as time goes by the lovely memories of your earlier times together will help to ease the pain.
To the Erdman family:
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. We hope that comfort and peace come to you. I am sure she will truly be missed by many.
May God bless all of you.
Jim and Carol Voss
prudence
such a beautiful light. Sorry for your loss. Prayers of healing and strength
love
annette
Kevin and Family,
She sounds like a lovely lady, I wish I could have known her. Prayers of comfort and healing coming your way at this difficult time.
Peace, Terrie Kohl
Ellen and family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen