Barbara Jean Erdmann

Barbara Jean Erdmann, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, at the age of 81.

Barbara was born in Elmhurst, IL, on June 23, 1945, to Kenneth Hull and Florence (née Reese). She was married to the love of her life, Wayne D. Erdmann, who preceded her in death on January 9, 2004.

Throughout her life, Barbara had many different careers, but the one she loved most was being a bus driver. Her years behind the wheel became a special and memorable part of her life.

Barbara’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was the proud mother of five daughters, grandmother to 11 grandchildren, great-grandmother to 27 great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandmother to one great-great-grandchild. Her family was her greatest legacy, and she cherished the generations that grew from her.

She is survived by her daughters:

Julie Szczepanik and her husband, Dave. Their children are Joe and his wife, Monique, and Raymond and his wife, Sandy.

Pam Brissa and her husband, John. Their children are Nichole and her husband, James; Cheryl; and John.

Patricia Saenz, whose husband, Mike, preceded her in death. Their children are John and his wife, Cecily, and Michael and his wife, Aurelisse.

Joanne Saenz and her husband, Jesse. Their children are Anthony and Justine, and Justine’s husband, Robert.

Kristina Erdmann, whose husband, Larry Lillie, preceded her in death. Their children are Tyler and Reese.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Hull; her mother, Florence (née Reese); her husband, Wayne Erdmann; and her sister, Gail.

She is survived by her siblings, Ken, Sandy, and Valerie, who will carry their own cherished memories of Barbara with them.

Barbara’s life was filled with family, work, memories, and the many people she touched throughout her years.

Though she is now reunited with Wayne and other loved ones who went before her, Barbara’s legacy lives on through her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, siblings, and all those who loved her.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Rest peacefully, Mom. You will be forever loved and never forgotten.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service to be held in the funeral home chapel at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet.