Charles Erdmann

Charles F. "Chuck" Erdmann, age 75 of Grey Eagle, died Friday, January 20, 2012 at his home on Big Birch Lake near Grey Eagle, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 25 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Ronald Dockendorf officiating. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle. The Melrose Veterans Honor Guard and Knights of Columbus will pray at 7 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening at the church.

Charles Francis Erdmann was born December 15, 1936 above a bakery in Madison, Minnesota to Edwin and Julia (Shelstad) Erdmann. He graduated from Madison High School in 1954. Chuck served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1957, based in Coranado in Beachmaster Unit 1. On September 20, 1958 he married Lila Pedersen at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Madison. Chuck was a manager for the Gambles Store at numerous locations. Chuck worked King's Cove Marina for 25 years. He and Lila retired in 1998 and moved to their home on Big Birch Lake near Grey Eagle. Chuck was a passionate man who lived his life to the fullest. His passions were his family and his hometown of Madison. He also was an avid Minnesota sports fan, especially the Gophers. He enjoyed working in his yard, hunting, fishing, antiques and woodworking.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle, Melrose American Legion Post 101, and the Monsignor Lorsung Council #14616 Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife, Lila Erdmann of Grey Eagle; children, Michael (Camille) Erdmann of Shakopee, Mindy (Jim) Russell of Hastings, and Mark (Summer) Erdmann of Grey Eagle; grandchildren, Nicholas (Christine), Katie, Jackson, Kallie, and Ella; brothers and sisters, Dick (Jan) Erdmann of Waconia, Jim (Aggie) Erdmann of Madison, Kathy (Denny) Nelson of Madison, Linda (Bill) Young of Madison, and Pam (Kenny) Fernholz of Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter, Sarah Russell.

Serving as casket bearers will be Nicholas Russell, Angie Maetzold, Aaron Erdmann, Erik Gerrits, Ryan Young, and Adam Fernholz. Cross bearer will be Ella Erdmann and scripture bearer will be Katie Russell. Gift bearers will be Jackson and Kallie Erdmann. Honorary bearers will be Jim Russell, Camille Erdmann, Summer Erdmann, and Christine Russell.