Norman Leslie Erdmann

(April 24, 1914 - December 19, 2009 )

Norman L. Erdmann, age 95 years, of Caroline, Wisconsin, passed

away Saturday morning, December 19, 2009 at the Shawano Medical Center.

Norman Leslie Otto Erdmann was born April 24, 1914 in Caroline to Otto and Selma (Raasch) Erdman. He graduated from Marion High School in 1933. Norman was united in marriage on October 20, 1935 to Valeria J. Thiele at Crosse Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. The couple resided in the Caroline area for most of their lives. Norman began working with his father as a house painter and then he was employed for several years at FWD Corp. in Clintonville. Then he worked 35 years for F.R. Buss Cheese Factory in Caroline, until his retirement in 1978. His wife preceded him in death on August 14, 1999. Norman is a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Caroline where he actively served on the Finance Committee, Luther League and the Men's Club. He also volunteered with the Caroline Fire Department for 40 years. Norman was a member of the Caroline Fish & Game Club and he especially enjoyed small game hunting and fishing. His other interests included listening to country western music, sight seeing, and playing cards.

Survivors include five children; Karen (Merlen) Koepke of Kenosha, Warren (Anne) Erdman of Marion, Joan (Clarence) Schampers Shawano, Darryl (Jan) Erdmann of Marion, and Joy (David) Buss of Marion. There are 9 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great granddaughter. There is a brother-in-law, Bill Bilzi of Huntington, NY, a sister-in-law, Gloria Schmeling of Wauwatosa, a brother-in-law, and Rev. Gerald (Suzanne) Thiele of Vernon, TX. He is further survived by a special grandson, Todd Erdmann, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Norman is preceded in death by his parents, his step mother, Marie Jones, his wife, Valeria, two sisters, Valerie (Herbert) Lichtenberg & Marjorie Bilzi, a step sister, Mae (Raymond) Steinberg, and a brother-in-law, Frank Schmeling.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline. Rev. Craig Nehring will officiate and burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

April 1956-Marion Advertiser: Norman Erdmann has taken charge of the paint shop and store in Caroline, which has been operated by his father, O. R. Erdmann, since 1918. Norman has helped his father for many years in his spare time but he will now devote full time to the painting and papering trade.

Ron Malueg: Norman was working at F.R.Buss's cheese factory the 8 summers I worked there. Norman was the one to start the vats of milk to heat and separate the whey from the raw cheese. The rest of us then took the vat over and made cheddar cheese. He was a dedicated worker but somewhat quiet. He was a nice man.