Bernard 'Ben' Erdmann, 90 of Le Mars, Iowa passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2024 at All Saints Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars. Burial with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at 4:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., all on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at All Saints Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Le Mars. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com .

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gehlen Catholic Schools or O'Toole Park Splash Pad.

Bernard John Erdmann was born on November 23, 1933 in Le Mars, Iowa to John and Rose (Kusser) Erdmann. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School in Le Mars in 1951.

Bernard worked for his father after his high school graduation. He then became an intricate part of the early stages of Harker's Wholesale Meats. He began as the first route salesman, and worked his way to Senior Vice President. After retiring from Harker's, he started his own advertising company. Bernard also managed Erdmann Enterprises until it was sold in 2023. He continued to manage his own rental properties.

Bernard was a member of All Saints Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church in Le Mars. He was also a member of the Iowa Army National Guard for several years.

Ben was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Arlene Allison, on November 26, 1952 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Neptune. He was married to the love of his life for 69 years. They made their home in Le Mars where they raised their nine children. His family was his pride and joy. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ben enjoyed raising and riding horses; he loved sharing his love and passion for them with his children.

His coffee buddies were important to him, so were all his tenants at 'Erdmannville'. Bernard was very much a 'people-person', he loved and enjoyed all his friends. Ben was a cowboy at heart. He loved nature, following the stock market, technology, and his independence. He was loving, passionate, witty, strong willed, and a very smart businessman.

Ben is survived by his children: Michael (Diane) Erdmann of Omaha, NE, Rose Marie (Mike) Anthony of Le Mars, Dave (Angie) Erdmann of Le Mars, Julie Langel of Le Mars, Mary (Nick) Hentges of Chicago, IL, Ann (Keith) Wilken of Le Mars, Kathy (Todd) Oetken of Le Mars, John (Lisa) Erdmann of Moville, IA, and Paul (Jana) Erdmann of Sioux City, IA; 29 grandchildren: Dr. Nathaniel (Dr. Mitzy) Erdmann of Birmingham, AL, Melissa (Manu) Opitz of Berlin, Germany, Shannon (Jim) Becker of Des Moines, IA, Curt Anthony of Le Mars, Katie (Ryan) Morris of Le Mars, Nikki (Tommy) Conger of Le Mars, Jessica (Ryan) Dirksen of Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Adam (Maggie) Erdmann of Le Mars, Eric (Lesli) Langel of Chicago, IL, Joseph (Maren) Langel of Rochester, MN, James (BreAnne) Langel of Littleton, CO, Staci (JJ) Baker of Minneapolis, MN, Brandon (Rachel) Langel of Le Mars, and Tera (Kevin) Shea of Coralville, IA, John (Claire) Hentges of Santa Monica, CA, David Hentges of Chicago, IL, Molly Hentges of Chicago, IL, Sarah (Blake) Patton of Rochester, MN, Katie Wilken of Le Mars, Tyler Oetken of South Sioux City, NE, Seth (Bri) Oetken of Sheldon, IA, Riley Oetken of Le Mars, Ben (Hope)  Erdmann of Sioux City, IA, Blake (fiancé, Paytin) Erdmann of Sioux City, IA, Kayla (Kyle) Foelske of Akron, IA, Luke Erdmann of Ames, IA, Leah Erdmann of Sioux City, IA, Jake Erdmann of Sioux City, IA, and Scott Erdmann of Sioux City, Iowa; 43 great grandchildren; 3 sisters: Sister Rosalie Erdmann of Chicago, IL, Marie Schmitz of Le Mars, IA, and Pat (Paul) Kolhoff of Round Rock, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

Ben is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene Erdmann; his parents; grandchildren: Mick Anthony, Joseph Dean Oetken, and Samantha Jo Erdmann; great grandson, Elijah Jon Baker; son in law, Scott Langel; 3 sisters: Betty Erdmann, Rosemary (Arnold) Robinette, and Marcella (Marvin) Nemmers; and brother in law, Gordon Schmitz.