'For I know that my redeemer lives… after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God' Job 19:25-26

After many years suffering from aggressively progressing dementia, Coleen Kay (Schwalenberg) Erdman passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in her room at Cedar Creek Manor at the age of 66. Now the Lord has mercifully ended her suffering. She died in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through her Lord Jesus Christ, a faith she shared with others at every opportunity.

Coleen was born on September 13, 1959, in West Bend. She was baptized into Christ on October 18, 1959, at Trinity Freistadt Lutheran Church. She graduated from Winona State University in 1981 with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation (working with special needs children and in nursing homes). She married John Erdman on June 9, 1984, at St John Lutheran Church, Wausau.

Over her life, she had a passion for many different church groups and activities, including: leading various women's and youth Bible Studies, numerous church choirs, homeschooling associations, scrapbooking, sewing, First Light Puppets (both puppeteer and puppet maker), and Bow the Knee. She loved nativity scenes, and at one time her collection had more than 100 unique sets. She was an extrovert who was always making new friends and wanted to greet everyone with a hug.

Coleen is survived by her husband of 41 years, John, her children Michael (Rachael) and Laura (Walter), and grandchildren Edmund, Paul, and Thomas. She is also survived by her siblings, Lee (Vicky) Schwalenberg, Larry (Linda) Schwalenberg, Maxine Schwalenberg, and Dean (Amy) Schwalenberg.

She was preceded in death by her father Elroy and mother Mabel.

The funeral service will be on Thursday, April 30 at 11:00am with a visitation beforehand, starting at 10:00am. The visitation and funeral will be held at St John Lutheran Church, 164923 Co Rd Z, Wausau, WI 54403. Pastor David Wetmore will officiate. Interment will immediately follow the funeral at St John Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the interment. The service will be recorded and will be available for viewing at tiny.cc/coleenerdmanfuneral

Memorials can be directed to Young Adult Ministry Fund, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1021 Spaight St, Madison, WI 53703 or "Bow the Knee" Fund, Zion Lutheran Church, 238143 Star Rd, Aniwa, WI 54408.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the caregivers at Cedar Creek Manor for the compassionate and loving care of Coleen.

John J Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting the family. Family and friends may leave words of remembrance at www.honorone.com