James Louis Erdmans

James (Jim) Louis Erdmans, of Wyoming, Michigan, died peacefully, February 28, 2026, at the age of 92. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather, and a loyal friend and neighbor.

Jim was born and raised in Wayland, Michigan, graduating from Wayland High School in 1951. He was drafted into the army in 1953 and spent most of his military time in Germany, where he was recruited to play on the Army’s softball team. He married Angela Helen (Grasinski), the love of his life, on August 11, 1956, and they were together for almost seventy years. They spent most of that time living in a house on Boone Street in a neighborhood where they met life-long friends and raised six children. They were active members of Holy Name of Jesus parish. Jim worked for forty years at Diesel Equipment/AC Rochester, a division of General Motors, as a Grinder–Leadman in the tool and die room, before retiring in 1992. 

Jim was tall, athletic, and good looking. He liked stylish clothes and fast cars (at least until he had to trade in his ’56 convertible for a station wagon). He played softball in his younger years but bowling was his passion and his talent, carrying an average of 200 into his 80s, and bowling at least one perfect game. He took pride in his lawn and garden and appreciated the outdoors -- standing on the back porch watching for weather (like tornadoes forming) and walking in the quiet woods on early morning deer hunts up north by the family cottage on Blue Lake. Most of all, he enjoyed the company of his wife, Angel, especially the many trips they took together around the US and Europe, and the cruises with his friends from Boone Street. He had a blessed life.

Jim was a big fan of the Detroit Pistons and Lions (although disappointed he never got to see them play in the Super Bowl), and, of course, the Tigers (he loved listening to Ernie Harwell call the game). Unable himself to play sports in school because of daily chores on the farm, he found gratification watching his children play sports, and set up his retirement schedule to attend his grandchildren’s sporting competitions, concerts and recitals, from elementary school through their college years. He also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren at Blue Lake – so many memories (so many mishaps). 

A loving father who devoted his life to his family, Jim was a role model who demonstrated the importance of hard work, family, and doing things the right way (“or not doing it at all!”). He had a steadying presence, and touched many with his compassion, generosity, and unconditional support. Friends and family did not hesitate to reach out to him for help, and he never hesitated to provide it. His legacy lives on in these life lessons, the love he gave, and the memories he created. He was a special man who was loved deeply and will be missed greatly.

James Louis is survived by his adoring wife, Angela Helen (Grasinski), and their children James (Julie) Erdmans, Mary (Tim) Black, David (Kathy) Erdmans, Diane McDowell, Laura (Chris) Readle, Paul (Vicki) Erdmans, his brother Leon (Nyla) Fifelski, and sister Mary Kinnane, as well as eleven grandchildren – Andrew, Jeremiah, Matthew, Elizabeth, Hannah, Michael, Evan, Veronica, Rachel, Brooke, and Courtney -- and eleven great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father James Louis Erdmans, stepfather Valentine Fifelski, mother Rose (Pattok, Erdmans) Fifelski, brother Joseph Fifelski, sister JoAnn Drayton, son-in-law Curt McDowell, and grandson Joseph Barenie.

Visiting hours will be held at MKD Funeral Home on Clyde Park in Wyoming on March 5 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with the Rosary prayed at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 at Holy Name of Jesus in Grand Rapids on March 6, with visitation hours at the church from 10:30 to 11:30. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Holy Name of Jesus.