Darrell J. Erdman
August 05, 1960 - February 11, 2020
Obituary
MIDDLETON - Darrell James Erdman, age 59, of Middleton, Wis., formerly of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare surrounded by family and friends after a year-long battle with MDS/Leukemia. Darrell was born on Aug. 5, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wis., the first of four children to Charles “Chuck” and Marilyn (Kubczak) Erdman of Waverly, Iowa. He married Teresa “Terri” Beasley on May 18, 1985, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Murphysboro, Ill. Together they raised two beautiful, loving sons, Michael Travis of New York, N.Y., and Christopher Jordan Erdman of Columbus, Ohio.
Darrell lived life to the fullest. He loved elk hunting in Colorado with family and friends, and he was at home fishing on either Lake Michigan or Lake Erie. He was an avid sports fan and supporter of the Packers, Badgers and Cleveland Indians. On his final road trip, the Packers defeated the Seahawks in the playoffs. He also loved music, making an annual pilgrimage to Chicago (2009–2016) with his sons and Terri for Lollapalooza with 90,000 of his closest friends.
Darrell battled his disease bravely and was shy to tell others how sick he was. Ever optimistic, he only had “good" and "better" days, even in his final week. To learn more about his battle, visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/darrellerdman/journal. He was a kind, generous man, a loving and dedicated father and husband who will be missed by many.
In addition to his devoted wife and sons, Darrell is survived by his parents and a loving family: brother, Scott (Karrie) Erdman of Oconomowoc, Wis.; sisters, Sheryl Dooley of Shelbyville, Mich., and Shelly (Michael) Suttles of Boyce, La.; plus nephews, Donald Dooley (Brittany), Cole Dooley, Jacob Erdman, Cody Suttles (Alexa) and Tyler Suttles and daughter, Paisley; a niece Jessica Lang (Steve) and Carson Dooley (son of Michael); and doting aunts, Shirley Huegli, Alice Hofmaier, Jean Aucutt, and Geraldine Ubick; plus many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; a nephew, Michael; a niece, Kayla; and aunts and uncles.
Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life at LUCKY CHUCKY’S BEACH BAR AND GRILL, 37238 Valley Road, Oconomowoc, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020.
Memorials in Darrell’s honor may be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center Bone Marrow Transplant or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Mar 14, 2020 @ 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM CDT
Lucky Chucky's Beach Bar and Grill • 37238 Valley Road, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Photos
Memories
JM
JOHN MCLEES
Other •
I will always remember Darrell for his kind and giving way of life.
And I thank you Terri, for loving and caring for him.
May God bless you all. Uncle John
TE
TERRI ERDMAN
Other •
Shared a photo.
+ 5
KS
Kyle Sutich Sr.
Other •
There is no one memory I would like to share. I would rather say that every talk, text or visit with my good friend and brother was my pleasure. We had fun no matter what the situation from as bad as a busted furnace to as great as a Packers Super Bowl! I will miss him with all my heart but I am glad his pain and suffering is over. RIP Your Friend and Brother Kyle J Sutich Sr.
KT
Keith Timmel
Other •
For me a judge of a good friend is, regardless of time apart, you pick up where you left off. Darrell was one of those friends. We bummed around a lot in high school and for a few years after until we went our own ways. I reconnected with Darrell in 2013 at a high school reunion. We picked up where we left off. Conversations were easy. No awkward pauses. Some small talk but none boring. Darrell had a good sense of humor and infectious laugh. I was on the phone with Darrell a couple weeks before he passed away. I called from my car passing Racine. The call ended as I approached Madison. No awkward pauses. Some sports trivia thrown in. Btw who wouldn’t want Darrell on their trivia team? Back to that reunion- Darrell was very excited to tell me his son wrestled in college. You could hear the pride in his voice. When I asked where, he modestly said Princeton. Being a wrestler I was impressed that a baseball dad would have kid(s) that wrestled. About as likely as basketball dads. Darrell mentioned that Travis did pretty good on the mat. I responded with who cares he went to Princeton! Darrell cracked a small somewhat modest smile. A good reflection on Darrell’s personality. I’ll truly miss Darrell.