Elizabeth Erdman, 99, of Geneseo, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Geneseo. Reverend Stephen Mueller will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. Memorials may be directed to Concordia Lutheran Church, 316 S. Oakwood Avenue, Geneseo, IL, 61254, and the Alzheimer’s Association of America (https://donorservices.alz.org).
Born December 23, 1925, Geneseo, Illinois, to Karl and Anna (Raschke) Kane. Elizabeth grew up rooted in the values of faith, family, and community. A proud graduate of Geneseo High School, class of 1943. She married Stanley Erdman, also of Geneseo, building a life together until his passing preceded her own.
Elizabeth’s kitchen was the heart of every holiday and family gathering, where her remarkable cooking brought generations together in laughter and warmth. She cherished outings with loved ones—simple joys like ice cream runs or supper at the Airport restaurant—and delighted in adventures near and far, from the Henry County Fair to travels that broadened her world. The visits from her great-nieces and nephews filled her home with youthful energy she treasured deeply.
Her contributions to Geneseo were many: she assisted men registering for the draft in 1942, was a dedicated employee at Belanger Farm Equipment for decades, Photographic Arts Studio, the Blue & White Ice Cream Store, and faithfully taught Sunday school. A lifelong member of Concordia Lutheran Church, Elizabeth lived her strong faith with quiet courage, instilling resilience and kindness in her family.
Elizabeth is survived by a legacy of love in her extended family and the countless lives she touched. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Mark Erdman of Geneseo; nieces, Cyndee (Michael) Marciniak of Darien, IL, Marcia Treinen of Geneseo, IL; nephews, Jim (Barbara) Kane of Peoria, IL, Jerry (Marjorie) Kane of Crofton, MD; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Karl and Anna Kane; brothers, Arthur and Maurice Kane; and her beloved husband, Stanley Erdman.
