Erik T. Sorum 1866-1939

SORUM, MATHIESEN

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 12/26/2010 at 16:01:58

The death of Mr. Sorum came at 6:30 p.m. Saturday [September 30, 1939] to relieve his suffering after many years of illness. He had been bed fast ever since last May following a paralytic stroke.

Erik T. Sorum was born to Tosten and Bertha Sorum June 9, 1866 at Fran, Hadeland, Norway. Baptized as a child he was as a youth confirmed at the parish church by Rev. Gunderson. When 17 years old he came to America.

Sept. 18, 1895 he was united in marriage to Emma Mathiesen at St. John’s church Cylinder, by Rev. J. D. Swalestuen. They lived for the greater part of the time at Ringsted where Mr. Sorum was in business, conducting a general store first for four years in partnership with his father-in-law, J. A. Mathiesen, and later for many years along. For more than 20 years he served as postmaster at Ringsted.

On account of a severe case of rheumatism he moved to Kissimmee, Florida in 1923. They lived there for five years when they returned to Ringsted. After two years residence at Ringsted they moved to Estherville where they have since resided.

He leaves a wife who has so lovingly cared for him through his long illness and one brother, B. T. Sorum of Estherville.

The funeral was held this afternoon, Oct. 3, at 2:30 o’clock at the Sternborg funeral home the Rev. L. A. Mathre pastor of the Estherville Lutheran church officiating. Singers were Josephine and Jennie Handeland. Mrs. Lloyd Handeland presided at the organ.

Interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, October 3, 1939)

The Estherville Enterprise adds: Mr. Sorum has suffered for many years with chronic rheumatism,. Has been in the main confined to his home for the last three years. Four months ago he suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed on one side the last year he suffered hardening of the arteries. He passed away Saturday afternoon, Sept. 30 at 6:30 o’clock at the age of 73 years, 3 months and 21 days. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 5, 1939)