Norma Ruth Erdman

Norma (Heise) Erdman, born October 1922 in Berlin Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday March 29, 2017 in her home in Oshkosh. She was 94. She was married to Carl Erdman from 1947 until his death in 1986. They had six children: Jim Erdman (Julie Grundy), Oshkosh; Jean Erdman (Tom King), Oshkosh; Joy Erdman (Michael Copeland), Falls Church, VA; Jon Erdman (deceased) (Deb Troxell), Oshkosh; Janet Erdman (Wayne Beebe, deceased,Tulsa; R. J. Johannes, Oshkosh); and Jeff Erdman, Oshkosh. Grandchildren include Beth Erdman (Dan McCormick) Oshkosh; Jim Erdman (Oshkosh); Paul King (Missy Frazelle) Chicago; Tim King, Watertown; Jed Dorow, Oshkosh; Beth Dorow, (Amherst Junction WI); Zack Erdman, Oshkosh. Norma had 3 younger brothers including Carlton (deceased) & Margie Heise (Madison), Max & Charlotte Heise (Port Washington) and Donald & Ila (deceased) Heise, Westminster CA and special aunt, Evelyn Heise (Omro). Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins were dear to Norma.
Norma grew up in Milwaukee and following high school worked as a secretary. Moving to Oshkosh upon her marriage to Carl, Norma was a loving and attentive wife and mother. There was always laundry to do, meals to be made, clothes to be sewn, cleaning to do. When the younger children started school, Carl picked up the chauffer duties for the children’s after school activities as Norma became a teaching and media assistant at Webster Middle School, and served the school for 14 years. In retirement she volunteered for 20 years as an election official. Webster co-workers became lifelong friends and travel companions. She was able to travel to Europe, Canada and throughout the United States, often attending Elder Hostels, and participating in UW Oshkosh Learning in Retirement events. Well read, she kept up with politics and fiction, and was open to new learning experiences. She was also talented in needlework and crocheting, making heirloom Christmas ornaments, and lovely needlework that decorated her home. She was a highly aware person who saw remarkable changes in the world over her lifetime.
Norma was a loving mother and beloved family member who also treasured her Oshkosh friends, including Marcile Simm (deceased), Betty Malaney, (deceased) and Roger Gasser and Webster Middle School media center retirees Marge Leffin, Grace Strum, Dorothy Last and Sandy Schneider, and “the Breakfast Bunch” friends –Cheri Pommerening, Judy Loper, Zona Shuh, Sandy Werner, Deb Zimmerman, and Ruth Mathwig. Her hairdressers Bernice Vanderlou and Kelly Standke have been dear friends. Pastor Mark Grubbs is appreciated for his many home visits and Lutheran spiritual guidance. The family and caregivers led by Sandy, Jackie and Sabrina supported Norma in remaining in her home her last few years. The family is also very grateful to all the loving caregivers and to Dr. Duwell for their attentive care. Even as Norma weakened and could barely speak, she wanted everyone to know she loved them and that she was doing her best. Norma made a positive difference in people’s lives, lived life to the fullest, and will be missed deeply.
April 5 Wednesday there will be a viewing from noon to 4, a 4 PM memorial service, and a catered meal, all at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home, 402 Waugoo Ave. Norma will be buried at Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh, beside husband Carl and son Jon. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.