Virgene (Jeannie) Erdmann of Wickenburg, Arizona and formerly Osage, Iowa passed away Saturday, March 17th after a long and brave battle with cancer. She was 81. Her family and friends will forever remember her as a passionate woman of noble bearing, possessing the spirit of a lioness.

Virgene Lucille Kittleson was born to Caroline and Floyd Kittleson, July 20, 1936 in St. Ansgar, Iowa where she spent her formative years with her nine siblings. She graduated from St. Ansgar High School (1954) and shortly thereafter moved to Sioux City, Iowa in pursuit of an immersive education at Saint Joseph's School of Nursing; (1957). It was while working as a Registered Nurse at Mitchell County Memorial Hospital that she met the love of her life and husband of nearly 60 years; Bob Erdmann.

Virgene and Bob were wed November 30, 1958 and embarked upon a collective life of adventure, commencing with their honeymoon in Havana, Cuba. Upon their return, the young couple left the familiarity of Iowa for new experiences in the vast verdant deserts of Arizona where they would also start their family of four children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In eager pursuit of professional opportunities they returned to Iowa in 1965 and together built the successful and prosperous; Erdmann Motor Co., before selling the venture nearly a quarter century later and returning to Arizona in 1988.

From the moment they met, the two found great comfort in each other's company, sharing a love of family, camping, fishing, travel and good friends.

To know Jeannie, was to know that she was in constant motion and could readily be found with a paintbrush, tennis racquet or golf-club in hand. We smile with the knowledge that she is no longer limited by a body in this lifetime and that she is once again..."in full motion".

Virgene was quite simply one of the boldest souls in all our lives and our hearts are heavy with her loss. We are comforted knowing that she will be safe and happy until we can all gather together in laughter and joy on the other side.

We invite all friends and family to attend a casual OPEN HOUSE - CELEBRATION OF LIFE to be held on SATURDAY, MAY 5TH, 2018 between 2-5PM at the WICKENBURG COUNTRY CLUB, Wickenburg, AZ. Beverages & noshes provided (cash bar avail) Come spend a moment with us to chat, laugh and reminisce.

Source: Legacy.com