Erdman, Bernard W. (Barney)

The funeral mass for Bernard W. (Barney) Erdman will be held at 11 today at Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, Minn., with the Rev. Donald Schmitz of Holy Spirit Catholic Church officiating. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery Tuesday, with military honors.

Barney died peacefully Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010, at his Rochester home surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years, Madlyn; his six children; their spouses; a number of his 18 grandchildren; and caregiver, Ok Ki.

Born March 12, 1917, to Paul Erdman and Olive Stillwell in Wesley, Iowa, Barney received his bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa and obtained his master's degree from the University of Iowa. Barney married Madlyn O'Connor on the Fort Jackson army military base in Columbia, S.C., on Nov. 20, 1945. He served in the European theater in World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Staff Sargent.

Barney's first career was as a teacher, coach and principal. However, being a natural salesman, he chose to change careers and go to work for Pratt Audio Visual Inc. and Eby's Sporting Goods, both in Cedar Rapids, where he sold audio visual and athletic equipment to schools, colleges and universities. Barney was employed by Pratt's for over 50 years. During most of that time he was their top salesman. Many of his customers became close friends. He retired at age 86.

Barney was a member of St. Mathew's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids for over 50 years. In addition to being an avid Hawkeye fan, he was a long time member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association. He loved to fish with his friends and sons and to dance with his wife and daughters.

Barney's life revolved around his family and their well-being. He was a beloved husband and a cherished father and grandfather. He was known and loved by all for his quick humor, generosity of spirit, loyal friendship and unwavering optimism. He will be dearly missed.

Barney is survived by his wife, Madlyn of Rochester; sons, Michael (Sheila) Erdman of Cedar Rapids, and Kevin (Nancy) Erdman, of Minnetrista, Minn.; daughters, Molly Martin of Naperville, Ill., Prudence O'Connor of Eden Prairie, Minn., Ellen (John) Huston of Rochester, Minn., and Elizabeth Friedenfeld (Doug Hoskins) of Plymouth, Minn.; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Lowell and Darrell; and sisters, Madeline and Carrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Marguerite and Donnelle.

Barney's wife and family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Season's Hospice and to his loving care givers, Ok Ki Perleberg and Elise Baecker.

Memorials may be sent to: Mercy Medical Center Foundation, Cedar Rapids, IA; Season's Hospice, Rochester, MN; or Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN.