Eva Mae Erdman, 84, of Crookston, Minnesota, died early Thursday morning, February 2, 2012, in the RiverView Hospital in Crookston. Eva was born at Englevale, North Dakota on November 7, 1927, one of ten children of the union of Isak and Anna (Isakson) Pederson. She grew up at Fort Ransom, North Dakota and attended school there. Eva later moved to Crookston and in 1952 was united in marriage to Walter Erdman in a ceremony that took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple lived and farmed in Andover Township, near Crookston, and together raised three children: Daniel, Debra, and Vicki. Walter passed away on May 1, 1995, and Eva later moved into Crookston. She was a devoted member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and for many years served as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher, and choir director. Eva was a very accomplished horsewoman and longtime member of the Agassiz Riders' Club. She enjoyed sharing her equestrian knowledge with 4-H club young people from around the area, and took great pride in watching those she mentored grow in their confidence and abilities at riding and showing their horses. Eva will long be remembered, not only for her accomplishments in life, but for her enthusiasm, kindness, and true spirit of generosity.

Grateful to have had Eva in their lives are her three children: Daniel R. (Connie) Erdman of Crookston, MN, Debra (Ballard "Steve") Blackburn of Rosemount, MN, and Vicki Mjelde of Sioux Falls, SD; 7 grandchildren: Daniel J. (Christine) Erdman of Crookston, Raquel (Mark) Cownie of Tarpon Springs, FL, Steve (Tonya) Blackburn of Grand Forks, ND, Scott (Nikki) Blackburn of Spring, TX, Kevin (Shelly) Blackburn of Lakeville, MN, Tasha Jorgenson of Sioux Falls, and Sara (Eric) Myhre of Sheyenne, ND; 18 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Margaret Pederson of Las Vegas, NV and Jo Erdman of Crookston; together with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition to her beloved husband, Walter, Eva was preceded in death by her parents; and all of her siblings, including 6 brothers: Evelyn "E.B." (Mable) Pederson, Clarence (Stella) Pederson, Arthur (Lorraine) Pederson, Isak (Evelyn) Pederson, Leonard Pederson and Walter Pederson; and 3 sisters: Mildred (Andy) Shockman, Edna (Gilman) Flaagan, and Thora (Arthur) Danielson. May God bless Eva's memory.

A memorial service celebrating Eva's life will be held at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2012, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Bill Reck, officiating. The family will be greeting guests at the church for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston in the spring. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with funeral arrangements.