Frederick John Erdman, 83, of Tampa, FL, passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday night, Nov. 5, 2009 at UCH Long Term Acute Care Hospital, Land O’ Lakes.
Born in Chicago, IL, Fred moved here from Orlando in 1990. A graduate of Quigley Seminary, Chicago, he earned degrees from W. Virginia University and the University of Baltimore. He earned his MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. He retired from Martin Marietta Corp. after 38 years of service. He was a US Army veteran of WWII earning the rank of Corporal.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Gladie; his son, Fred G. (Christina); daughter, Rhonda Erdman; two sisters, Bette Hansen and Barbara (Ed) Maher; three granddaughters, Michelle (Todd) Lightbody, Ashley and Tiffany Erdman; and three great grandchildren, Jacob and Grace Lightbody, and Sarah (Troy) Kinder.
Fred was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and "pop-pop". He will be greatly missed and always loved.
Visitation will be at 10 AM on Tues., Nov. 10th at Keystone United Methodist Church, 16301 Race Track Road, Odessa. Funeral services will follow at 11AM with Pastor Tim Haas officiating. Interment with military honors will be presented by Marion County Memorial Honor Guard at 1 PM at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Gladie, Rhonda, & family,
We were saddened to read about Fred’s passing. Please know that you have our deepest sympathy and that Fred will remain in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss him, especially at this time of year.
Mr. and Mrs. Erdman have been just good friends to me in a difficult time in my life. I know God sent them to me when I needed help the most. I will always remember Mr. Erdman for his good advise. Love to all the family.
The Lutz Patriots of Lutz, Florida send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Frederick Erdman. Every Friday in Lutz, we wave American flags to honor such heroes. His service to our Country will be forever appreciated.
Fred welcomed me into the Erdman family 22 years ago with loving arms. He was the only real “father” I have ever had and I was privileged to call him “dad.” He was a great dad to Freddie and me and a wonderful grandpa to our girls, Ashley and Tiffany. We have many great memories of Fred that we will always cherish. One of the last memories is sitting on his hospital bed feeding him a Hershey’s bar and planning his next day’s meals with him. We were laughing as I crossed out the awful pureed food on the menu, and wrote in what he really wanted to eat: a sirloin steak and an Oh Henry bar! Dad I truly loved you as my father and will miss you dearly. I know you are sitting at the right hand of God, looking down on your family and smiling:) I look forward to seeing you again one day!! Your loving daughter-in-law<3
Gladie, Rhonda, and Michelle,
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gladie, Rhonda, and Michelle,
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.