Funeral services for James will take place at 12:00 PM on Friday, August 13, 2021 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rib Lake., with Pastor James Langebartels officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Friday, August 13, 2021 from 10:30 Am until the time of service at 12:00 PM.
James was born on September 9, 1935 to Frank and Winafred (Wehrmann) Erdman in Rib Lake. He attended Fawn Valley School in Rib Lake. After schooling, he worked on the family farm. He then went to work for Gem Products, until its closing. He then worked from Black River Industries. He also worked as a logger, peeling poplar.
James enjoyed the outdoors, including picking berries, cutting wood, and smoking his pipe or cigars. James was known in Rib Lake for riding his bike for his transportation needs, to ride out to the farm and back to his trailer house. James would meet the Greyhound bus at the Blue Royal, at the corner of highway 13 and 102, to travel to Milwaukee or other places, when that service was available. James liked music, polkas, waltzes, and Johnny Cash.
James is survived by his nieces, Tammy (Paul) Bergeson of Wausau and Brenda (Tracy) Lewis of Pewaukee; nephews, Allen and Randy Christianson, both of Rib Lake, Burt (Lauren) Bartelt of Big Bend, and Brad (Karen Haack) Bartelt of New Berlin; brother-in-law, Bernard Bartelt of New Berlin. James is further survived by other family and friends.
James is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Helen Christianson and Bernice Bartelt; brother-in-law, Du Wayne Christianson.
Memorial Donations in James’ name maybe given to the family for use of a later designation.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.
