Obituary of Janice Eleanor Erdt

January 19, 1943 – December 21, 2021

Janice Eleanor Erdt. Age 78 of Woodhaven.

Beloved wife of Robert Erdt.  Loving mother of Lori Sines and Vicki Pengelly.  Dearest grandmother of Alan, Joshua, Jacob, Gabriella, Emily, August and the late Samantha.  Great grandmother of Alia.  Dear sister of Ronald Schulte, Joseph Schulte, Linda Engberg, Kathy Winn and Cindy Schulte.

Family Tribute

Janice Eleanor Erdt was born on January 19, 1943, at Deaconess Hospital in Detroit to the late Joseph Anthony Schulte and Violet Frances Kerner. Janice attended Detroit Public Schools- Goodale Elementary and graduated from Denby Highschool in 1961. As a child, Janice often went to the ball fields with her Dad while he coached or played. Janice’s fondest memories were made at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Detroit which she attended with her family, Linda Engberg, Kathleen Winn, Cindy Schulte, Ron Schulte, and Joseph Schulte.

 In 1961 Janice married Robert Gottfried Erdt Jr. at Our Savior. Bob and Janice raised four children Lori Lynn (1963), Robert Gottfried III (1966), Vicki Kathleen (1969), and Joseph Ronald (1972) in Woodhaven, Michigan. Janice encouraged and supported her children’s sports endeavors as an active fan, taxi driver to events, and even team manager.

Janice and Bob are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren; the late Samantha Marie (1988), Alan Wade (1990), Joshua Michael (1993), Jacob Donald (1994), Gabriella Elizabeth (1995), Emily Violet (1999), and August Rose (2000). All should know that Janice believed these children were perfect. But the most perfect child is Alia Mae, Bob and Janice’s brand-new great-granddaughter born March 16, 2021.

Janice’s greatest gift to her family and friends was her faith. She exemplified her faith through her service in her church and mission work. Janice’s missions took her to Nigeria providing glasses and the Czech Republic teaching the English language alongside her late granddaughter Samantha spreading the love of Christ. She was an active member of MOST ministries for several years. She managed the church bookstore and was often a volunteer with teen programs while serving at St. Paul in Trenton. Janice often spoke of how grateful she was for her faith in Christ and how blessed she was as a result.

Another fantastic attribute of Janice was her streak of independence and work ethic. All of her children graduated from college, Lori (MSU 1985, Hood College 1998, Moody Seminary 2021), Robert (EMU 1991), Jay (U of M 1998), and Vicki (U of M 2012). Five of their seven grandchildren graduated from college, Alan (U of Md 2014), Jacob (HCC 2016), Gabriella (EMU 2018, U of M 2019), Emily (WSU 2021), and August (USF 2022). Joshua just purchased his second home in ten years for his family! Janice was the foundation of all the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She expressed the importance of success that comes from an education and perseverance.

Janice took a couple of trips in recent years to Sandbridge beach with her daughter Lori. Believe it or not, we are not sure if she went for the beach or for the naval planes. What do you think? Janice yelled at the grandkids for being on their phones but her favorite pastime on the couch was to digitally paint by numbers on her phone.

There’s so much more that can be said about Janice Eleanor Erdt. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, you will always be our influence, our foundation, and our love.

Cremation will take place at The On-Site Crematory located within the Molnar Funeral Homes - Brownstown Chapel.