Obituary of Clark Dean Erdman

Clark Dean Erdman August 13, 1937 – August 18, 2009Former lifelong resident of Walla Walla, Clark Erdman, died August 18, 2009, at Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia, WA. He and his wife, Peggy, had resided in Olympia for the last 8 months. He is the son of John and Catherine Erdman, German immigrants from Walter, Russia, and is the youngest of 15 children. Clark attended and graduated from Walla Walla schools, graduating from Wa-Hi in 1956. After graduating, Clark worked various jobs until he enlisted in the Army Reserves where he served as staff sergeant in the 881st Transportation Co. from October 1955 to July 1961. Upon leaving the service Clark started his work career with Walla Walla School District 140. Eventually, after having worked on the custodial staff of all the early schools of the district, he became Head Custodian at Berney Elementary, Washington Elementary, and finally at Walla Walla High School. During his time with the school district he met and married Peggy (Orr) Duckworth in August, 1972. They resided in Walla Walla together at Pike Place for 37 years, during which time he enjoyed fishing, pistol and trap shooting, horsemanship, golf, camping, dancing, RV’ing, gardening, dogs, Walla Walla sports events, and family and friends. He was a life member of Christ Lutheran Church, Walla Walla Elks Club, and the National Rifle Association. He was also treasurer of the Walla Walla Wagon Wheelers, a member of the Sheriff’s Posse, the Walla Walla Gun Club, and was a Walla Walla Public School Employees officer. Clark had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed sharing stories with numerous friends as well as the students. Clark is survived by his wife Peggy, two sons, Lee and Larry Erdman, two adopted children from a previous marriage, Ronald Erdman and Karen Johnson; two step daughters, Lise Elliott and Jama Williams; seven grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John, his only living sibling, lives in Walla Walla. He was preceded in death by sisters Molly Hanifen, Mary Benzel, Emma Johanning, Betty Willoughby, Dorothy Cronin, Louise Shelton, and by brothers James, Elden, Henry, Elmer, David, and William. A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 1420 South 2nd Avenue, Walla Walla, on Friday, September 4 at 1:00 PM, with a private inurnment to be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clark’s name to the Christ Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Walla Walla Gun Club. Memories and condolences may be left for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.