Wilbert Clifford Erdmann

Wilbert Clifford Erdmann, age 98, of Benson, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 am Tuesday, September 3, 2024, with the funeral service following at 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Benson City Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Wilbert Clifford Erdmann was born August 14, 1926, at the Swift County Benson Hospital, the son of Carl and Augusta (Bartz) Erdman. He was baptized August 15, 1926, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township, Swift County, Minnesota. On March 17, 1940, he was confirmed by Pastor Zubabier at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township.

Wilbert grew up on the family farm in Tara Township, in Swift County, Minnesota. He attended District 80 County School through eighth grade. He lived in the Benson and Holloway areas his entire life.

On October 22, 1947, Wilbert married his lovely bride Deloris Zimmerman. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township in rural Holloway by Reverend E. T. Meichsner. They shared 72 years together and raised their two children Robert and Sharon.

Wilbert and Deloris farmed the home farm in Swift County until 1958 and then moved to a farm in Pope County, north of Swift Falls, Minnesota. In 1965 they moved back to the home farm and lived and farmed there until 1972. They moved to Benson, Minnesota, in 1973, and Wilbert worked for the state of Minnesota testing milk for a couple of years. Then he got a job at Earl B. Olson Turkey Farms by Swift Falls. Wilbert loved his little turkeys and if you asked him about them you better be ready for a lengthy story! Wilbert retired in 2006.

Wilbert served on the Country School Board, taught Sunday School, ushered, sang in the choir, and was a church elder.

Wilbert was proud of his family and enjoyed any time he could spend with them. He was lucky enough to meet some of his great-great-grandchildren.

Fishing was one of Wilbert’s passions and he spent hours up north with the Lagreds. He and Deloris traveled with the Zimmermans to many places through the years. They loved to dance so if there was old time music somewhere, they were probably there. He also enjoyed throwing horseshoes, playing cards, and gardening.

Wilbert was called from this life on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Scandi Haven Village in Benson, Minnesota. He was 98 years old.

Wilbert is survived by his children Robert (Maureen) Erdman of Benson, MN and Sharon Erdmann Grussing of Benson, MN; five grandchildren: Vicki (Bob) Schaefers, Bob (Sara) Erdman, Kim (Shari) Erdman, Jennifer (Jason) Garberding, and Brady Erdmann; ten great-grandchildren: William, Kerrie, and Thomas Schaefers, Tyler (Tera) Erdman, Eric (Emily) Erdman, Olivia (Dillon) Lindstrom, Isaac (fiancé Madi) Erdman, and Madison, Katelyn, and Max Garberding; five great-great-grandchildren: Carsen Erdman, Rhett Lindstrom, Elijah Erdman, Xander Erdman, and Ruthie Lindstrom.

Preceding Wilbert in death were his wife Deloris Erdmann, parents Carl and Gustie Erdman, sister and brother-in-law Florence (Harold) Reu, granddaughter Stacy Erdmann, great-granddaughter Faith Erdman, and son-in-law Richard Grussing.

Blessed be the memory of Wilbert Erdmann.