John Richard Erdmann, age 64, died peacefully on June 13, 2015, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, WI, due to complications following open heart surgery.

Jack was born on August 14, 1950, in Manitowoc, WI. Jack was kind and a joy to be around. He touched the hearts of everyone he met. His smile and his cheerfulness were contagious. He was a loving, Christian husband, father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and friend. His family was the joy of his existence, and he sacrificed so much for them. He loved his wife Barb dearly, and they enjoyed 41 years of marriage. He was especially proud of his children, Jeremy and Mandy, who brought him the blessings of God-fearing spouses and six wonderful grandchildren who loved their grandpa dearly. His family is saddened to know that grandpa was taken from them so soon and before he was able to meet his seventh grandchild, but they are gladdened by the sure hope that he is with his Savior Jesus in heaven. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jack couldn't help but share his faith with those he met.

Jack will be sadly missed by his wife, Barbara; father, Paul; son, Jeremy (Renee); daughter, Mandy (Josh) Walker; grandchildren, Joel Kante, Ella Erdmann, Kylie Walker, Adam Erdmann, Sophia Walker, and Grace Erdmann; brothers, Tom and Mark (Jenny); sisters, Nancy (John) Selinsky and Sue (James) Starr; mother-in-law, Margaret Karnopp; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary Karnopp, Debra (Charles) Cihlar, and Rhonda (John) Bartkowski; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine; father-in-law, Harvey Karnopp; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Karnopp; and numerous other relatives.

Funeral Services for Jack will be at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 530 W. Parkway Blvd in Appleton on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 11:00 am with Rev. Mark Henke officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at the church from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 9:00 am to 10:45 am. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com.

The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death. (Isaiah 57:1-2).

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.