Richard C. Erdman

Richard C. Erdman, 87, of Columbia City, Indiana passed away Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Stillwater Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 11, 1936, he was a son of the late Arthur H. and Helen (Rohal) Erdman.

Dick graduated from John Adams High School in Cleveland, Ohio and The Ohio State University with a master's degree in electrical engineering. He grew up in Ohio and moved to Fort Wayne in 1963. Richard worked as an electrical engineer for General Dynamics, National Cash Register, Magnavox, Hurco, and retired from Polaroid in 1999. 

On September 26, 1959, he married Patricia Schwendeman at St. Joseph Church in St. Joseph, Ohio. After Dick and Patricia were married, they moved to Rochester, New York for two years, then moved to Columbus, Ohio where they lived for two more years. Dick and Patricia moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they had two sons. In retirement they later settled at Crooked Lake, Northshore Dr, Columbia City, Indiana. 

Dick loved to go camping and fishing in Northern Canada with his sons and friends. It was an opportunity to connect with nature, family and close friends. He also loved to volunteer as a greeter at Parkview Whitley Hospital. He enjoyed attending Komet Hockey with each of his sons. Dick was an avid card player. Dick and Pat made many friends while playing in numerous Bridge tournaments around the state of Indiana. Dick also loved playing live poker at Casinos. 

Travel throughout Canada was part of life with their sons. VIA Rail Canada took them coast to coast across all the provinces. Amtrak across the US was also included in their travels. In their 20 plus retirement years they traveled to many other countries including France, Italy, Spain, Germany and several others. Some included river trips in Europe. 

Dick is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Patricia A. Erdman; sons, Kevin and Alexander Erdman; brother, Wesley J. Erdman; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents Dick was also preceded in death by a brother, Arthur C. Erdman.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with calling one hour prior. Memorial donations may be given in memory of Dick to Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, 404 E Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, Stillwater Hospice, Fort Wayne, Indiana or Woodland Senior Center, Columbia City, Indiana Visit www.DeMoneyGrimes.com to send Dick's family online condolences or sign the online guest book.