Erma Leola (Lydman) Schaedig
October 8, 1918 — June 25, 2013
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Erma Schaedig, age 94, of L'Anse, Michigan went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 25, 2013. Erma was born on October 8, 1918 in Boyne City, MI, the daughter of Howard and Anna Wandell. Erma's family moved several times before settling in L'Anse, where her father became manager of the A&P Store.
Erma graduated from L'Anse High School in 1936 and married Alvin C. Lydman of Skanee on November 12, 1938. Alvin became the industrial arts and auto mechanics teacher in Baraga, MI. The couple had three children, Bonnie Lee born June 2, 1940, Sheryl Lynn born Oct. 21, 1946 and Alvin Mikel born Dec. 20, 1949. Erma loved children and wanted a big family. After becoming foster parents in 1952 Alvin and Erma took in several children, but primarily raised two boys.
As an active member of L'Anse Baptist Church, Erma taught Sunday School and Children's church. Erma's enjoyment of storytelling eventually led her to write the script for several Christmas plays for the church. Her son, Alvin, and other church members assisted her in directing the plays involving many church children.
Erma and Alvin were involved in the Disabled American Veterans after Alvin returned from World War II with malaria. Erma was an officer of the local DAV Auxiliary for many years. After Alvin went up the chairs to serve at the state level, Erma also became involved at the state level. Erma served as DAV State Commander for the auxiliary in 1974-75. Erma continued to be interested in politics throughout her lifetime.
Several years after Alvin's passing Erma married retired Pastor Raymond Schaedig. The couple moved to Wakefield, while Pastor Ray was interim pastor in that area. Pastor Ray went to be with the Lord in 1994 and Erma returned to live in her L'Anse home until her passing last week.
Erma, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, is survived by daughters, Bonnie Moilanen and Sheryl Stapleford (Thomas) of L'Anse and a daughter-in-law Nora Lydman of Anderson, IN. Erma's step children include Betsy Jeske (Brian) of Wakefield and Jackie Busch (John) of Bessmer, and foster children Joseph Stevens of L'Anse and Michael Harsh of Hubbell.
Erma had eleven grandchildren, Grant Berggren (Patricia) of Madison, WI, Rex Berggren of Monterey, CA, Konnie Barker (Dennis) of Chico, CA, Tammy Le Claire (David) of L'Anse, Tracy Teetzen (Brian) of Kaukauna, Shannon Miller (Clyde) of Hancock, Syndy Morin of L'Anse, Tommi Vasquez of Houghton, Janie Stryjewski (James) of Noblesville, IN, Lori Coffman (Justin) of Anderson, IN, Kaylee Lydman of Spring Arbor, MI. Erma also had great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, foster grandchildren and extended family too numerous to mention.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Anna Wandell, her husbands, Alvin C. Lydman and Raymond Schaedig, her son, Alvin M. Lydman, son-in-law, Glenn Moilanen, and step daughter, Cindy Elliott, her sisters, Wilma Paquet and Fae Muchinski, her brothers, Alton Wandell, Keith Wandell, Arden Wandell, and Robert Wandell.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 2nd from 4-7 p.m. at the Jacobson Funeral Home; and on Wednesday, July 3rd from 10-11:00 a.m. at the L'Anse Baptist Church. The funeral service will be on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the L'Anse Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Sebring officiating. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial for indigent pastors in Nairobi, Kenya, where her daughter served in ministry, has been established in Erma's name.
Friends may sign Erma's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com