Violet L. Erdman, age 94 of Helena

Violet Eytcheson Erdman was born November 11, 1930, at the home of her parents, William and Laura (Pfister) Eytcheson, near Hayward, WI, and joined a brother, Robert.

While still four years old, she started first grade at Smith Lake School near Hayward because brother Bob wouldn’t go unless “Baby” went, and he was already six years old. They went to rural school through eighth grade and then high school in Hayward.

In October 1946, while helping out at the family boat rental business, a tall, dark, and handsome young man came and rented a boat from her to go fishing. And so, John Erdman entered her life. He told his friends who were with him that day that he was going to marry her someday. True to his word, in November 1947, they were married at home in Hayward.

The following summer, they moved to his family’s farm near Augusta, WI, where they farmed in partnership with his parents for 14 years. During the winter of 1948-49, Violet attended adult confirmation classes and was baptized and confirmed in May 1949 at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta.

During the 14 years of farming, God blessed John and Violet with four children. Stephen John was born June 11, 1950; Christian John was born March 15, 1952; Debra Jean was born July 22, 1953; and Susan Lee was born August 3, 1956.

In 1962, they left farm life and bought the resort in Hayward from Violet’s father, which had grown a lot since they had met there in 1946. They owned, operated, and expanded the resort for 15 years. During that time, the kids grew up and were confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayward. After finishing high school, they went off to college and lives of their own.

In 1977, John and Violet sold the resort and retired to Montana, first to White Sulphur Springs, then to Valier, and finally to Helena in 1991.

Their life from courtship had always included hunting and fishing, and retirement included going to rodeos and gardening.

Violet was preceded in death by her infant son Stephen; her parents, husband John, and daughter-in-law Jan. She is survived by her son Christian, her daughter Debra, her daughter Susan (Jinx), her granddaughter Savannah (Rich), her great-grandson Landon, and her great-granddaughter Charlette.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at First Lutheran Church with a reception to follow the service at the church. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans cemetery, Fort Harrison.

Service Schedule

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Tuesday July 15, 2025

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Funeral Reception

Following the service

Tuesday July 15, 2025

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Burial

Following the Reception

Tuesday July 15, 2025

Montana State Veterans Cemetery

3550 Heroes Rd.

Fort Harrison, Montana 59636

View map

Share

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

No photos have been submitted yet.
Click here to share yours.