Joan R Erdmann

Joan Ruby (Carlton) Erdmann, 90, of Fort Myers, passed away on Saturday August 19, 2023, at her home.

Joan was born on May 24, 1933 in Iowa, to Frank and Alice (nee: Bloom) Carlton. Her early life was spent traveling around the United States with her parents and stepfather Harold Olmschenk. She was the oldest of six siblings. She had three children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She graduated from High School in Milwaukee, WI. Joan and Betty Wenzel were acquaintances in High School and became lifelong friends through antiquing.

She spent many of her young adult/adult years in WI and older adult years in FL. She loved playing cards with her friends and shopping for unique things.

Joan was known for her fashion in clothes and shoes; however, those blue eyes were truly a show stopper. She was witty and the best Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and friend anyone could ask for.

She is survived by her children: Sandra “Sandy” Zivkovich and Alicia Schneider; eight grandchildren: Gerald “JJ” (Heather) Zivkovich, Shannon, Courage, Harmony, Sonja (Nicholas) Tester, Asia (James) Campbell, Andrew Schneider, Angel Schneider and eight great-grandchildren: Nevaeh, Isaiah, Colton, Emerson, Dawson, Emmalyn, Bear and Hayden; her siblings: Cheryl Olmschenk, Marlyss (Dennis) Malkowitz, Gary (Kay) Olmschenk, Sister-In-Law Cindy Olmschenk; significant other: Leo Kay, seven nephews (and their families) and her dog China.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Frank Carlton, Alice Olmschenk, stepfather: Harold Olmschenk; Olmschenk siblings: Lawrence “Larry”, Chrystal “Chrissy”, Douglas “Doug”; spouse (S): Gordon “Gordy” Erdmann and Kenneth Landfreid); children: Kenneth “Kenny” Landfreid and Son-In-Law Steven “Steve” Schneider.

“Loved life to the fullest”

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Joan Erdmann may be given to American Diabetes Association or Hope Hospice of Fort Myers, FL.

Joan’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Hope Hospice, Neptune Society, Joan’s many friends/neighbor’s and Sandy’s co-workers for providing care and support during this difficult time.

No planned services.