Marlys Ann Erdman, age 87, of Belle Plaine, passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. A visitation will be held from 9-11 AM on Monday, November 7, 2022, with a Christian Funeral beginning at 11 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Avenue, Prior Lake, MN . Rev. Dr. Brent Parrish will preside. Marlys will be laid to rest at La Salle Lutheran Cemetery.
On April 19, 1935, Marlys was born to parents Archie and Hulda (Sjostrom) Pearson on the family farm in Murdock, MN. Marlys’ early life was spent on the farm helping her family with chores. One day it could be tending to the garden, helping take care of the cattle, or playing her dad a song while he was milking the cows. Marlys helped with it all. When she wasn’t working on the farm or attending the local country school, she could be found pursuing one of her life’s passions, music. From a young age, her love of music led her through piano lessons, singing in the church choir, and learning how to play the accordion. Along with music, her faith was of the utmost importance to her. Marlys’ faith journey was strengthened by her father’s interest in the subject. The two would discuss theology, religion and history while working together on the farm.
Marlys attended college for one-year at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa where she traveled with the choir and met lifelong friends. After attending college, Marlys married Marvin Erdman and eventually settled in Lake Crystal, MN.
Marlys was blessed to have 6 wonderful children. Although the kids kept her busy, they were one of her greatest joys in life. Marlys was able to pass along some of her passions to her children. Her leading by example was an inspiration to her children to whom she was entirely devoted. All the kids took piano lessons and went to bible study with her as well. Great memories were made on many trips to other states and Canada with her family. Holidays were special to Marlys, during which she introduced her children to many Swedish traditions. Family gatherings and social events filled with an abundance of food and desserts were important to Marlys. Marlys also enjoyed taking her children and going with friends to church events, shopping, and heritage festivals. She could be often seen volunteering her time helping at her church including traveling to other destinations as a volunteer for missionary work. She advocated musical interest and the importance of further education in her children and grandchildren. Another great source of pride for Marlys was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She showed her unconditional love for her grandkids by showing a genuine interest in what they were involved in. Marlys also had lifelong and valued friendships with neighbors, classmates, and many other acquaintances along her life’s journey that she valued greatly.
Humble, compassionate, and welcoming; Marlys will be missed greatly by her children; James (Julie) Erdman; John (Irene) Erdman; Ruth (Ron) Schaefer; Kristine (Steve) Wuorinen; Joel (Tara) Erdman; and Paul (Diane) Erdman; Grandchildren, Raechel (Ethan) Roberts, Ryan Erdman; Andrea Erdman, Aaron Erdman; Morgan (Adam) Spencer, Ashley Schaefer; Peter, Andrew, and John Wuorinen; Jordan Erdman, Marcus Erdman; Luke Erdman, Adam Erdman, and Lauren Erdman; Great Grandchildren, Avery, Natalie, and Vesper; Sister, Faith (Willie) Tietz; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Marlys is preceded in death by parents, Archie and Hulda Pearson; brother, Archie Pearson Jr., and Marvin Erdman.
