Marilyn J. Erdmann, 85, of Leola, SD, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Marilyn J. Janisch was born on September 18, 1940, in Aberdeen, SD, to Benjamin and Bea (Wheeldon) Janisch. She attended Aberdeen public schools and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School. Marilyn was united in marriage to Albert E. Erdmann on July 16, 1959, in Rock Rapids, IA. The couple celebrated 61 years together. Albert and Marilyn traveled to Texas, England, and Rapid City while Albert was in the United States Air Force from 1959 to 1964. After Albert’s years of service, the couple settled on the family farm in Wetonka, SD, in 1964. While Albert was busy farming and establishing the family legacy with Angus cattle, Marilyn was busy raising seven children, but was still quick to fill in on the farm or run to town for parts.
Marilyn was often ahead of her time. She was the first woman to serve on the Leola school board and served for many years. Marilyn was a member of the Young Farmers Wives Club of Wetonka, SD, until her passing. She formed lifelong friendships in this close-knit community. Marilyn was also an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church’s LWML. Marilyn and Albert would discuss the happenings of the church, and she often reassured her daughters that even though women were not allowed to vote, their voices were heard.
Marilyn was also a member of the Circle L Cattle Women of Leola, the Extension Club, the Red Hat Society, and served on the library board. She was active in 4-H, helping her kids with showing cattle and various other 4-H projects. Marilyn was an avid sports fan, attending many football, basketball, track, volleyball, and baseball games for her children and grandchildren. She also promoted her family’s participation in music programs at school and church. Marilyn always encouraged her children and grandchildren to reach their highest potential in whatever they endeavored to do.
Blessed to have shared Marilyn’s life are her seven children: Laura (Brian) Ryken of Gayville, SD, Elizabeth (Joe) Korzan of Aberdeen, Terri (Steve) Kolb of Westport, SD, Daniel (Anne) Erdmann of Leola, SD, Joseph (Sheila) Erdmann of Wetonka, SD, Kristi (Glenn) Spitzer of Leola, SD, and Nichole Sobolik of Aberdeen; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Marshall “Butch” (Linda) Janisch of Arizona.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Albert, of 61 years, her parents Ben and Bea Janisch, her sister and brother-in-law Marcia and Ron Hauck, her son-in-law Mike Sobolik, and her great-grandson Rhody Schwarzrock.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leola, SD, with Pastor Ray Andersen officiating.
A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow the funeral.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, with a public prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation continues one hour before the service at the church.
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s website following the service.
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