Myra Erdman

Myra Middleton Becker Erdman died peacefully at her home on Green Lake, "Harmony on the Lake", on Sunday, Aug. 3. She was born in the family home at 113 Tygert Street in Ripon on February 23, 1925 to James Archibald "Arch" and Phoebe Jane (Van Laanen) Middleton. She grew up in Ripon, graduating from Ripon High School in 1943 and from Ripon College in 1947. She spent her summers during her youth at Catholic Girls Camp (now Camp Tekawitha) on Loon Lake in Shawano, where she made friends who lasted her entire lifetime.

Sbe worked as a professional for the Girl Scouts before marrying Jack W. Becker on Dec. 3, 1955. They made their home first in Mequon, then in Greendale, both Milwaukee suburbs. She and Jack had three children: Peter (Julie) Becker of Bothell, WA; Kate (John) Farmer of Donnelly, ID and Robert Andrew "Andy" Becker of Wind Lake, WI. The family lived in Wisconsin and Southern California, based on work assignments from Delco Electronics (originally AC Spark Plug) where Jack worked until his retirement. She was a devoted wife and mother who worked tirelessly on behalf of her family, friends and community, always thinking of others. She was predeceased by Jack as well as her older brother, James Vance Middleton, and her daughter-in-law, Holly Becker.

In June of 1997, she attended her 50th college reunion where she saw her college beau, Harold Erdman. They married on Dec. 12, 1997 and built a year-round home on the Middleton-Becker property at Green Lake. Together, they traveled the world before settling at the Lake.

In addition to Harold and her children, she is survived by her brother, George Innes Middleton of Etowah, NC, and her beloved grandchildren, Jack, Nick, Joe and Molly, all of Bothell, WA. She is also survived by several Middleton and Van Laanen cousins, as well as nieces and nephews and, of course, her camp friends.

Myra was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and best friend to the people who surrounded her throughout her life. A memorial service will take place at Green Lake next summer. Memorial contributions can be made to the scholarship fund at Camp Tekawitha c/o Catholic Foundation for Green Bay Diocese, 1910 S. Webster, Green Bay, WI 54305 or Ripon College, Office of Advancement, PO Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971.

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home is Assisting the family.
www.butzinmarchant.com