Carl Erdmann, Jr.
Carl Erdmann, Jr. 73, died June 15, 2009 surrounded by his family. Born in Kansas City, MO, he was raised in Grafton, Wisconsin by his parents Carl Sr. and Norma Erdmann. He graduated from Butler University School of Pharmacy. He worked 28 years at Toler Pharmacy on the west side of Indianapolis. Subsequent jobs at Long Term Care, Reliable, Osco, CVS, and Marsh capped a 50 year career. He was most proud of his work as president of the Pharmacists Recovery Network. Carl is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol; 4 children, Theodore (Mary) Kegeris, John (Tish) Erdmann, Suzanne (Arthur) Denecke, James (Denise) Erdmann; 7 grandchildren, Adam, Andy, Austin, , Jennifer, Sarah, Gretchen, and Tommy . He is also survived by his brother, David (Mitzi) Erdmann, 4 nephews and 1 niece. Viewing was held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, June 18, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday, June 19, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral was Friday June 19, 11:00 a.m. also at Trinity Lutheran Church, 8540 E. 16th Street, Indianapolis, 46219. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran School. Arrangements entrusted to Shirley Brothers, Washington Memorial Chapel.
Carl had been involved in the Pharmacists Recovery Network since its beginning in 1980’s. Carl had been PRN president since 1997, helping dozens of recovering Indiana pharmacists and pharmacy students currently in, and those who have completed, the PRN program. He had touched many, many lives, counseled and sponsored dozens more in his personal life.
Carl presented a candid talk at least twice annually at Purdue University School of Pharmacy and at Butler University College of Pharmacy for Indiana’s pharmacy students regarding addiction and recovery. He had also mentored pharmacy students each June since 2005, during the week-long program at the University of Utah School for Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies in Salt Lake City. He loved mentoring and helping students who had addiction in their families to realize it wasn’t their fault. He was very devoted to pharmacy students in helping them avoid the traumatic effects of drug and alcohol abuse. (see pictures below)
Carl had recently been recognized and presented a 50-year Pharmacists Award from the Indiana Pharmacists Alliance, and later was presented a 25-year Token from his home group. A long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Carl was a very spiritual man, and he lived each and every day – ODAT- “One Day at a Time.” He will be greatly missed by both local and national communities.
Carl with Students from Purdue Carl with friend & co-worker Carol Dunham & Students
2008 University of Utah from Purdue 2008 University of Utah
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Full Original Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.