Wayne Edward Erdman

Wayne E. Erdman, 93, of Dallas County, Iowa, passed away with family by his side on March 2, 2026, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Born on June 28, 1932, to Myrtle and Frank Erdman in rural Adel, Iowa, Wayne graduated from Washington Township High School in 1949. He first worked alongside his father on the family farm before being drafted into the Korean War, where he served honorably as a Staff Sergeant. Upon returning home, he met Nancy Leonard, and they married on October 22, 1955. Together they built a successful farming and livestock operation, which Wayne tended with dedication until his retirement in 2008.

Deeply committed to his community, Wayne served on the Waukee School Board, Waukee Co-op Board, Badger Creek Conservation Board, and Red Rock Resource Council. He also served as a 4-H Club leader, Dallas County Soil Commissioner, and Walnut Township Clerk, caring for the Waukee Cemetery for 14 years. After retirement, he enjoyed regular coffee with friends at the Waukee Co-op and devoted time to researching and documenting his family history for future generations.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nancy Erdman; sons Mike (Dixie) Erdman, Alan (Julie) Erdman, and Mark Erdman; grandchildren Matthew (Pamela) Erdman, Jess (Natalie) Erdman, Charles (Cynthia) Nuechter, Meriah Erdman (Alex), Nate Erdman, and Chantel (Matt) Rappold; 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister Louise Barr. He was preceded in death by his son Terry Erdman, sister Donna Adamson, and brothers Carl Erdman and Leonard Erdman.