Delphine M. Gerdman, 102, passed away peacefully June 28, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born June 19, 1920 in Green Bay to Irene Hilker. She was adopted and raised by Otto and Nora Dorn in Milwaukee. She graduated from Rufus King High School in 1938 as part of its first graduation class. She married Cecil E. Gerdman on June 1, 1940. He preceded her in death on May 30, 1987.

Delphine was first and foremost a traditional 20th century mother. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother and “did it all” from canning fruits and vegetables, cooking wonderful meals, sewing knee patches on jeans, keeping up the house, being a Girl Scout leader, and taking kids in all directions. She always welcomed her children’s friends into her home and made it a point to know each one by name. She was a devout Christian and a lifelong member of Walther Memorial Lutheran Church where she sang soprano in the choir, was head of the Senior Citizens Group, was a member of the Dorcas Guild Women’s group and played dart ball with Cecil.
She had ties to Door County through both her parents and Cecil’s relatives. She showed her children what it was to pitch hay and milk cows by hand. She had many stories about farm life on small dairy farms and cherry orchards. In their retirement Cecil and she had a trailer in Door County near Kangaroo Lake where they spent much time together. They also liked traveling on motorcoach tours.

After graduating from high school Delphine spent time searching for her birth mother. She located her, but missed seeing her alive due to her mother’s early death. She did manage to get acquainted with, and get to know, her siblings Gene Pilon, Don Pilon, and Iyone Tilkens.

Delphine’s survivors include four of her children and their spouses, Gilbert and Lynn Gerdman, Gail and Karl Johnson, Gary and Pat Gerdman, and Gordon and Pat Gerdman; grandchildren Dave and Dan Gerdman, Jeff Johnson, Timm and Dustin Gerdman, and Jessica and Amber Gerdman; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, son Gregory, and her brothers and sister.
The Gerdman family extends their gratitude to Compassus Hospice for the care and love extended to Delphine.


The service was live-streamed and the recording is available on the Schramka Facebook page: https://fb.watch/eb-FN8-QYe/