Mitchell William Erdmann

Mitchell William Erdmann, 55, died peacefully on April 19, 2017, with family by his side.

He was born in Billings to William Gene and Marcella Louise Erdman on Jan. 26, 1962. He had an older brother, Steve, and a younger brother, William. Mitch attended schools in Billings and Lockwood. In 1980, he graduated from Billings Senior High.

While in high school, Mitch enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Stationed in Scotland, Mitch then met his bonnie, young lassie, Rosemary Palmer Barr, while out for a night of "bowling." They were married in 1983 and moved back to Billings shortly thereafter. He remained in the reserves while working as a welder at Empire Steel. In 1986, Mitch followed in his father's footsteps and became one of Billings' finest members of the BFD firefighter family. He was known as the calm voice over the radio and was seen with great confidence as the "brother" who always had the back of others. In 2014, Mitch retired as captain from the fire department. He was well-respected, well-loved and considered to be one of the finest captains in the department.

In between working as a firefighter, Mitch worked with his dad laying carpet. Mitch continued installing carpet as a business owner with his younger brother, Bill Jr. It was not in Mitch's nature to stand still. He was in constant motion even until the end. In his spare time, he loved to fish, hunt and camp with family and friends. When he wasn't "relaxing," he was landscaping in the hills or tinkering in the garage. Meanwhile, he always found time to play his guitar. Playing the guitar was such an integral part of Mitch's life. There was always time to pick with family and friends, much to the enjoyment of others who sang along. This was always a special treat for everyone in the U.S. and across the pond. Their Scottish family and friends held a special place in both Mitch and Rose's heart. Together, they spent many adventures traveling the world in accompaniment of Rose's brother, Neil, and sister-in-law, Morag. Family is family and this was Mitch's world. He once said if you have one child, you might as well have two, and if you have two, three is easy. Add a dog or two (his beloved Bear and Ringo), plus a couple of cats and, for better or worse, it's a perfect life.

He leaves his legacy in Scott (Tasha), Meghan and Michael. He adored his grandsons, Tiezen, Mason, Kaden and Paxton. "Papa" had a hard time saying no to his boys. He was always there for them and he will be terribly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marcella; brother, Steve; and nephew, William Robert. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary and their three children, Scott (Tasha), Michael and Meghan; four grandsons; brother, Bill; sister-in-law, Shirley; brother-in-law, Neil (Morag), and special cousin, Gary (Maggie); as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and the many friends who already miss him.

A special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers for all your expertise, kindness, patience and friendships, especially to Frontier Cancer Center.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at Faith Chapel, 517 Shiloh Road.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Billings Firefighter Local 521 Benevolent Fund or RiverStone Hospice House.