Doris Erdman

Doris Ella Edrman, age 92 (but she would have been 93 on March 12th), unexpectedly passed away on February 26, 2025 with her family by her side.

Doris was born on March 12, 1932 in Rib Falls to the late Richard and Bertha (Punke) Sodke. She attended school at Rib Falls up until 8th grade. She was very proud to get her GED at the age of 50. Doris married Lawrence Erdman and together they had one son, Steven. Lawrence was MIA in the Korean Conflict. She later remarried and had 6 children, Kim, Cheryl, Scott, Sue, Lynn and Todd. 

Doris was a dedicated and hardworking individual who enjoyed a full and vibrant life. She retired from Fiskars, where she formed lasting friendships and continued to stay connected with her "Fiskars girls." In retirement, Doris devoted much of her time to volunteering in her community. She called Bingo at Wood Aven, was active with the VFW and VFW Auxiliary, and volunteered at the Marathon County Fair. Doris also volunteered with the Shriners Auxiliary and read to Head Start students. Doris was a prolific seller of poppies for the VFW, Tootsie Rolls for the Knights of Columbus, and raffle tickets for the St. Anne’s Polka Fest.

An active member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Doris was active in the Circle of Joy and Fatima Council. She also helped with the church’s Friday Fish Frys. Doris had a passion for many activities, including traveling, fishing, camping, setting puzzles, gardening, playing cribbage, cooking and baking. Doris also loved time spent at Todd and Kathy's B&B.

One of the proudest moments of her life was attending President Bill Clinton’s second inauguration and participating in one of the inaugural balls.

Doris will be remembered for her generosity, her spirit of service, and her love for her family and community.

Doris is survived by her children Kim (Ann) Orlikowski, Cheryl (Peter) Rasmussen, Scott (Susan) Orlikowski, Sue (Daniel), Nelles, Lynn (Paul) Zoellner and Todd (Kathy) Orlikowski; 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; sister-in-law Sandy Sodke; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Lawrence Erdman, son Steven Erdman, brothers Ralph, Richard (Olga), Lawrence, Clarence, Reuben (Pat), Bertram, Delmar, Gordon (Sylvia), Clifford and Reinhardt Sodke, and one sister, Lorraine (Aloysius) Schara.

Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 700 W. Bridge St., Wausau. The Rev. Tom Linder will officiate. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.  VFW Ladies Auxiliary Service will be held at 11:30 Am at chuch.

The family would like thank the staff at the Marshfield Medical Center - Weston for their compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Shriners Children's Hospital.