NOMINATED 2023
Roberta ‘Bobbie’ Erdmann made Berlin history when in 2005, she was the first woman elected Mayor in Berlin’s 148-year history of self-government. To date, she is still the only woman to hold this office. She began her service to the City as a member of a number of Boards and Commissions and was elected to represent the City’s 2nd ward as Councilperson, for five terms. She retired from that role in 2023.
A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bobbie moved to Berlin in 1962, when the Erdmann family purchased a local business. Within two years, Bobbie became involved in the community, volunteering for a number of clubs and causes, an activity she continues today. Bobbie has served as President of the Berlin Junior Woman’s Club, the Charter President of the Berlin Woman’s Club, the 7th District Junior Director for the Wisconsin Federation of Women’s Clubs and on several Women’s Clubs local, regional and state boards and committees. She served as the Green Lake County Chapter Chairperson for the American Red Cross for almost 25 years, teaching First Aid/CPR classes, taking care of Service to Military Families, running the multiple bloodmobile visits each year, and a myriad of other duties. She served as the last member of the regional Selective Service Board representing Green Lake County until it was disbanded in 2010. In 2008 she was elected to the Green Lake County Board of Supervisors and served until 2010. She served as president or an officer in several other Berlin organizations. She was a reader for visually handicapped students for 6 years recording schoolbooks to tape for them.
Bobbie and her husband, Lee, became involved in the Berlin Historical Society in 2002, beginning her special interest in Berlin’s history. She was one of four authors of ‘Hometown Ties,’ a book written for the City’s 1998 Sesquicentennial anniversary. She later wrote and self-published ‘Rusty Memories and Ruby Red Wealth.’ She also authored books for the Berlin Public Library’s 100th anniversary, the local hospital’s 100th anniversary, and for the Catholic parishes. She has authored a number of articles published by the local newspaper, as well as by other newspapers and several magazines.
In 2013, Bobbie created this Inspiration Wall with the encouragement of Rear Admiral James Carey and former Berlin Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Eidahl, and with the support and help of the Berlin Historical Society members and the Berlin School District Board.
A favorite quote: “Obstacles Are the Things You See When You Take Your Eyes Off Your Goals.” Alan Kulwicki, NASCAR Champion