Douglas Ora Erdmann
Douglas Ora Erdmann, 85, of Aberdeen, SD, died Friday, April 4, at his home in Aberdeen, surrounded by his four daughters and other loved ones.
Douglas Erdmann was born October 24, 1939, to Arnold and Dorothy (Crisp) Erdmann on the family farm near Ipswich, SD. In 1948, his family moved to a farm near Wetonka. Douglas attended school at Pembrook Country School from September 1946 to May 1955. He attended Leola High School from September 1955 through May 1959, when he graduated. At the age of 19, Douglas enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Germany, Hawaii, New York, Oklahoma, North Dakota, and served in Vietnam.
Douglas met Ardella Ash and they moved to New York in 1960, and later united in marriage. To this union, two daughters were born, Dawn Marie in 1963 and Renee Lynn in 1964. In 1965, they lost Baby Boy Erdmann. Years later Douglas and Ardella were divorced. During his time in Germany, Douglas met Christa Fischer and they were united in marriage in July of 1970. To this union two daughters were born, Tanja Ursula in 1971 and Michelle Ann in 1973. Douglas and Christa later divorced. Douglas and Ardella reunited in marriage and they became a family of eight; “His, mine, and ours.” A few years later the marriage ended. Douglas retired from the Air Force in October of 1979 and was honorably discharged that November. Douglas moved to Aberdeen and worked for the Department of Recreation. He went to work for KO Lee Company and later worked for his brother at Erdmann Oil. After this Douglas worked for a few farm jobs such as D&M Custom Harvesting LLC and Locken Farms until he finally retired.
Douglas was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 17 in Aberdeen. He was also a member of the Aberdeen Area Senior Center. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and traveling. He loved music and trips to WE Fest. Playing cards and having a Windsor and Coke was a favorite pastime of his. Some of his favorite games to play were Canasta, Hearts, and Shit on Your Neighbor. He never met a person that he would not just strike up a conversation with. Douglas loved spending time with his family and grandfurbabies: Rowdy, Rosie, Sidney, and Shelby.
Grateful for having shared Doug’s life are his four daughters: Dawn (John) Flattery, Renee (Tom) Lone, Tanja Sossong (Kevin Moffenbier), and Michelle (Fred) Pullan; his grandchildren: Ashley (Paul Bulow) Flattery, Amanda (Dan Briggs) Flattery, Mark (Jessica Blazer) Kelley, Sean Lone, Damen Lone, Kanye Lone, Nicole Lone (Jones), Stephanie Lone (Greeno), Joshua (Delvo) Erdmann, Steven (Sara Wolff) Sossong, Stormy Wolff, Denver Wolff, Fabian Sossong, Alexander Sossong, and Jason (Danielle) Pullan; great-grandchildren: Annalise Flattery, Henry Briggs, Brittney Kelley, Kori Kelley, Andrew, Lucille Blazer and Jordyn Brewer, Dion Lone, David Adams, Josiah Lone, Esther Lone, Jaxon Sossong, Audrey Sossong, Amelia Sossong, Cadence Feist, Cameron Feist, Caelynn Pullan, Colton Pullan, and Jennifer Moffenbier; one great-great-grandson: Phoenix Wolff; Douglas’s special friend, Karen Spain; his siblings: Don (Carol) Erdmann, Kenneth Erdmann, Walter (Judy) Erdmann, Marilyn (Dean) Pulfrey, Paul (Phyllis) Erdmann, and Sharon (Orvin) Lee; and his sister-in-law, Donna Erdmann.
Preceding Douglas in death are his parents: Arnold and Dorothy Erdmann; son: Baby Boy Erdmann; granddaughter: Brittney Kelley (Lone); grandson: Dalton Lone: siblings: Larry Erdmann, William Erdmann, and John Erdmann; sister-in-law: Virginia Erdmann; brother-in-law: Dewey Roth; nephew; Mark Erdmann; and his grandson-in-law: Dan Briggs.