Edward Joseph "Eddie" Erdelatz Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great–grandfather, and devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026, in Modesto, California, at the age of 84.
Eddie was born in Alameda, California, to Edward Erdelatz Sr. and Agnes Connors Erdelatz and spent much of his childhood in Annapolis, Maryland, where his father served as head football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy. He attended St. Mary's High School, where he was an All–American football player and met the love of his life, Patricia ("Trish") Stansbury. They were married in1961 and shared 65 years of devoted marriage.
After playing football at San Jose State University, Eddie served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army, stationed at the Berlin Wall during President John F. Kennedy's historic 1963 visit. He went on to dedicate more than 45 years to law enforcement, including over 25 years as a homicide detective with the San Francisco Police Department. He later served with the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and FBI task forces investigating cold cases, earning deep respect for his integrity, professionalism, and compassion.
In 1975, Eddie came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ, a transformation that defined the remainder of his life. His faith shaped both his personal relationships and professional life. He co–founded the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers ("Cops for Christ") and later devoted himself to mentoring men recovering from incarceration and addiction through the Modesto Gospel Mission and Rock Church.
Eddie was known for his joyful spirit, playful humor, and love of family. He delighted in good food (especially Maryland blue crabs), storytelling, pranks, golf, and time spent with his children, grandchildren, great–grandchildren, and beloved dogs. His family was his greatest joy, and he stayed closely connected through frequent calls filled with encouragement and love.
Eddie is survived by his wife Trish; his children Robyn Morris, Lori Darretta, Scott Erdelatz, Heidi Ennis, and Eddie Erdelatz; their spouses; sixteen grandchildren; nine great–grandchildren; and two more expected this year. His family finds comfort in the promise of 2 Corinthians 5:8, confident that he is "at home with the Lord."
Eddie will be remembered for his kindness, humility, and deep faith. His life stands as a testimony to love, service, and unwavering trust in God. May his memory inspire all who knew him to live with the same faith, hope, and love that defined his life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4:00—7:00 p.m. at Deegan–Ripon Memorial Chapel, 111 S. Palm Ave., Ripon, CA 95366.
The funeral service will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave., Ripon, CA 95366.
The funeral service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://share.google/ERzi2d1w5HH6gDtOv
