John "Jack" M. Erdmann

John “Jack” M. Erdmann, 56, of Winona, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, surrounded by family after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. True to form, he went out on his own terms and stubborn as ever — listening to Ozzy Osbourne on his way out.

Jack was the proud dad of one daughter, Samantha, from a previous marriage. In 2013, he married the love of his life, Joye, after 20 years together — making their total run an impressive 32 years of love, laughter, and plenty of mischief. Through that marriage, he also gained two bonus daughters, Kari and Keela, whom he loved as his own.

Jack dedicated more than 16 years to working on the river as a safety mate and ended his time there with his steersman license, working toward his pilot’s license — a goal he was proud to be pursuing. He loved the river life and took great pride in the boats he worked on. In his later years, he found the same sense of pride in keeping the valley clean by mowing lawns and making sure things looked just the way they should.

A lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, Jack also loved spending time up north at bear camp — hunting, swapping stories, and throwing back a few beers. Deer season was sacred. He knew how to have a good time and could drink just about anyone under the table. When you got the text “beer on,” you knew what it meant — it was time to grab a cold one and prepare to lose in cards or dice. Jack had a no-bullshit attitude and never sugar-coated a thing — one of the many reasons people loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Joye Erdmann; daughter Samantha (Kyle) Erwin and granddaughters Gwena and Tessa; stepdaughters Kari (Mike) Salwey and Keela (Travis) Wobig; step-granddaughter Karley (Brady) Brink; step-great-grandchildren Keelyn and Dryver; parents Victor and Linda Erdmann; siblings Julie Gustavson, Victoria (Jack) DeWitte, Kyle Erdmann, Daniel Drenckhahn, and Kaloni Drenckhahn; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Rita Dienger, his niece and goddaughter Amie Jo DeWitte, and his mother- and father-in-law Dale and Mary Pittelko.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Gundersen infusion staff, hospice nurse Heather, and the entire Winona Health hospice team for their incredible care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM at the Winona VFW Club (208 E. 3rd St.) — fittingly, the same place Jack and Joye began their marriage, and now where loved ones will gather to celebrate the life he lived. The date also marks their 12th wedding anniversary. Please join us to raise a glass (or a few), swap stories, and share the love and laughter Jack brought to everyone who knew him.

A brief time of remembrance will be held at 3:30 PM. to share stories, say a few words about Jack, and raise a glass in his honor.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jack’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.