Harlan "Harley" Erdman

Harlan “Harley” Erdman, age 93, of Janesville, passed away on Friday morning, June 26, 2026, at Whispering Creek in Janesville.

Harlan was born on June 29, 1932, in Janesville to Emil and Anna (Berndt) Erdman. At the age of four, following his mother’s passing during childbirth, he was taken in and raised by Orville and Irma Bergmann. He attended Trinity Lutheran School in Janesville through the eighth grade. After completing his schooling, he worked for the Keyes family on their farm until being drafted into the United States Army on February 4, 1953. During his service, he was stationed in Austria and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in December 16, 1954.

On November 24, 1956, Harlan was united in marriage to Ardis Klingbeil at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. They began their married life in Mankato before settling in Janesville, where they raised their three children. Together they shared 59 years of marriage before Ardis passed away on August 10, 2016. Harlan and Ardis loved dancing together at the Mankato Ballroom, a joy they shared throughout their life together.

Harlan began a 38½‑year career at BENCO as a groundsman, retiring in 1994. Retirement did not slow him down; he went on to serve as groundskeeper at the Janesville Golf Course for 30 years. He took great pride in his work and in training the current groundsman who followed in his footsteps.

Harlan enjoyed fishing, playing golf, watching Minnesota sports, playing cards, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. He was also a dedicated member of the Janesville American Legion Post 281 for more than 70 years, where he volunteered countless hours helping with steak fries, serving on the honor guard, and hosting “Harley’s Old‑Fashioned Turkey Dinner.” Blessed be his memory.

Harlan’s family extends a heartfelt thank‑you to the staff at Whispering Creek in Janesville for the exceptional care he received over the past 18 months.

Harlan is survived by his children: Cheryl (Lee) Daschner of Elysian, Wayne Erdman of New Philadelphia, Ohio, and Russell Erdman of Mankato; grandchildren: Trisha Daschner of Mankato, Phillip Daschner of Mankato, and Ben (Kim) Daschner of Madison Lake; great‑grandchildren: Jesson, Ashton, and Ellery Helder, and Violet Daschner; brother, Eldon Stavenau; and extended family: Audrey (Frank) Quam, Karen Struck, Beverly (Roger) Larson, Wallace (Karen) Bergmann, Peter (Maureen) Bergmann, Rachel (Robert) Wagner, Irene (Jim) Mulcahey, Robert (Julie) Bergmann, and Carol Steinberg; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; brothers, Orville and Leonard “Len” Erdman; sister, Dorothy (Elmer) Witt; sister‑in‑law, Ruth Stavenau; and extended family members James Bergmann, Charlotte Bergmann, and Chuck Bergmann.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 29, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville. Interment will follow at St. John–Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Iosco Township. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM and continue until the time of service at the church on Monday.