Madlyn Erdman

MADLYN LAVOHNE ERDMAN

Cedar Rapids

Madlyn LaVohne Erdman, 96, of Rochester, Minn., died peacefully Friday, Aug. 12, 2016, 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 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, S.C. Once Barney was discharged from the army they moved to Lisbon, 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. 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 53 years. Madlyn was a loving homemaker and devoted mother and wife. She and Barney were married for 64 years.

Madlyn and Barney were 50-year members of St. Matthew Catholic Church and longtime members of the University of Iowa Alumni Association. Madlyn was a lifetime 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; 18 grandchildren, Sara, Michael, Elizabeth, Nathan, Paige, Colleen, Faith, Olivia, Hannah, Maddy, Kathryn, Beatrice, Henry, Emma, Will, Jake, Cooper and Eleanor; and two great grandchildren, Sophia and Lilly.

Madlyn was preceded in death by her husband, Barney; an older sister, Teresa; twin sister, Margaret, and their husbands, Harold and Dick; one niece; and her parents.

A visitation will be held one hour (9 a.m.) before the memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with Father Tom Loomis officiating. A luncheon will be served following the Mass. There will be a private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the Erdman family requests memorials be sent to Seasons Hospice (Rochester) or Mercy Medical Center (Cedar Rapids).