Erickson, Alice Ruth (1909-1942)

ERICKSON, ANDERSON, GUSTAFSON

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Stratford Courier
July 23, 1942

Alice Ruth Erickson, eldest daughter of Charlotte and Oscar Erickson, was born on a farm southwest of Stanhope, Oct. 11, 1909, and met death in California on July 12, 1942 at the age of 32 years, 9 months and 1 day. She grew to young womanhood in the Stanhope community where she attended the public schools. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith early in life. In 1934 she went to Des Moines where she was employed for six years, going to San Francisco in 1940 where she made her home until her death.

In November of last year she was called home by the serious illness of her mother and remained to help care for her until her death last January. A kind and loving daughter she lived to care for those near and dear to her.

Left to mourn her untimely death are her father, four brothers, Elmer, Herbert, Virgil and George; two sisters, Edna and Roberta, one half-sister, Mrs. Hazel Anderson, and three half-brothers, Floyd and Norman, of Stratford and Carl, of Stanhope. Other relatives include seven nieces and six nephews, her aged grandmother, Mrs. Matilda Gustafson, other relatives and a host of friends here as well as in distant places. None feel the grief of her death more than her friend, Harold Geiger, who tried valiantly to save her from a watery grave.

Last rites were held Tuesday afternoon with a family service in the parental home of deceased at 1:15 o'clock and in the South Marion Methodist church at 2 o'clock. The Revs. C.F. Schmidt, of the Stanhope Church of Christ, and W.J. Snaar, South Marion pastor, conducted the two services. Misses Marie and Velva Berglund sang several songs at the church services. Interment was in the South Marion cemetery with the following casket bearers: Alton Berggren, Ernest Erickson, Melford Sealine, Conrad Lundquist, Gotlieb Mogensen, Russell Anderson.

Card of Thanks

We wish to extend our sincere thanks for the many kindnesses and sympathy shown us during our recent bereavement; and for the beautiful flowers. Oscar Erickson and children.

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UNKNOWN PUBLICATION/DATE
Obituary File at Stratford Public Library

Funeral Services for Alice Erickson Held At South Marion

The body of Alice Erickson was discovered in the San Jouquin River, eighty miles from San Francisco, Friday. Miss Erickson met death by drowning on the Sunday before while wading in the river. She suddenly stepped in a thirty-five foot hole. Her fiancee, Harold Greiger, who accompanied her, made an heroic attempt to rescue her, and nearly lost his life. The body drifted down the river a half mile, and was found five days later under the floor of a bath house.

The body accompanied by Mr. Grieger, arrived in Boone Monday night, and funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the home of the father, Oscar Erickson, and at the South Marion church. The services were conducted by Rev. Schmidt and Rev. Smaar. A large number of friends attended the funeral and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to the Erickson family.

Obituary

Alice Ruth Erickson, eldest child of Charlotte and Oscar Erickson, was born at the farm home, southwest of Stanhope, on Oct. 11, 1909, and passed away in California, on July 12, 1942, at the age of 32 years, 9 months and 1 day.

She grew to young womanhood in the Stanhope community and attended the public schools here. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith.

In 1934 she went to Des Moines, and secured employment, and made her home there for six years.

In August of 1940 she decided to go to San Francisco, in California, and here she made her home until the time of her death.

She was a loving girl, always cheerful and kind, and considerate of others. She was willing to meet things as they came into her life and when there were reverses she never complained. She had learned the lesson the Apostle Paul stated in Phil 4:11 when he said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content." When the members of her family expressed concern about her safety in San Francisco and the war zone she told them not to worry because if fate determined her end in this way it would come to pass and if in some other way she would meet it.

She said she hoped that when her day of departure did come she might go quickly and not suffer a long illness like her mother had endured.

In November of last year she was called home by the serious illness of her mother and made a hurried trip home by plane to be at her mother's bedside. She remained to comfort and help care for her mother until her death in January.

She leaves to mourn her death, her father, four brothers - Elmer, Herbert, Virgil and George, two sisters - Edna May and Roberta, one half-sister - Hazel, now Mrs. Carl Anderson, and three half-brothers - Floyd, Norman and Carl. There are seven nieces and nephews. Also her aged grandmother, Mrs. Matilda Gustafson, her uncles, aunts and cousins, besides a host of friends here and in Des Moines and San Francisco. None feel the grief more keenly than her friend Howard Geiger, who for five days suffered the anguish of soul as he paced the banks of the stream that had swallowed her up.

These loved ones will miss her ever cheery smile and sunny presence but will always hold sacred her blessed memory.

May our Heavenly Father minister comfort to these bereaved ones is our prayer. - C.F.S.