POLO – Ron Erdman, 84, of Polo, died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 at home. Ron was born August 17, 1933 in Elkhorn, Wis., the son of Gilbert Erdman and Elaine (Oleson) Erdman.
He attended elementary and high school in Elkhorn, Wis., and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Ron received his Master’s Degree in Education and completed all coursework in his Doctorate program at Northern Illinois University. In Madison, he met Eleanor Wedin and they were married on Dec. 27, 1955 at Trade Lake Zion Lutheran Church in Frederic, Wis.
The Erdmans spent the next two years in Bremerhaven, Germany, where Ron was in the military and where their first child, Krista (Paul) Edsten, now of Eagan, Minn., was born. Returning to the United States, Ron worked for Patrick Cudahy as a hog buyer in Ashton, where Karen (David) Smith was born. In 1960, they moved to Polo, where Ron worked for Triple “F” Feeds and Kelly Erdman Stephens was born. Ron received his teaching credentials in 1972 then taught middle school science at East Coloma in Rock Falls for 25 years. Ron was active in Lions Clubs for 50 years, Polo United Methodist Church, Illinois Education Association, National Education Association, Retired Teachers Association, Pork Producers, Texel Sheep Breeder Society, Wisconsin Historical Society, and Moose Club. He served as an election judge for many years. Above all, he was a lifelong Wisconsin Badger fan and supporter, proudly wearing his red Wisconsin gear.
Ron and Elly traveled extensively in England, Scotland, Ireland, Scandinavia, New Zealand, the Soviet Union and the United States.
Survivors in addition to Krista, Karen, and Kelly are a sister, Judy Lyon of Waupun, Wisconsin and four grandchildren, Kyle (Annelise) Edsten, Erik Edsten, Sarah Stephens and David Stephens. Two sisters, Mary Lou Vincent and Geraldine Nickolaisen, and his wife Elly preceded him in death.
Ron, a longtime Polo resident was dedicated to the community, his students and service organizations. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of 2018.
A memorial scholarship fund established in the name of Ron and Elly Erdman will provide scholarships to seniors at Polo Community High School. Scholarship contributions can be sent to Blackhawk Credit Union, 201 East Dixon Street, Polo, IL 61064.
