Ericson, Jalmer 1878-1937

ERICSON, JOHNSON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 10/6/2016 at 23:02:51

Source: Hawarden Independent (12-2-1937)

Born: June 11, 1878
Died: November 27, 1937

WAS 59 YEARS OLD AND SPENT NEARLY ALL OF HIS LIFE IN THE VICINITY OF BIG SPRINGS

Jalmer Ericson practically a lifelong resident of Big Springs Township in Union County, passed away at his home several miles southwest of Hawarden last Saturday afternoon following a lingering illness. Several years ago he suffered a stroke and he never fully regained his health after this. Last April he suffered a second stroke which left him practically paralyzed and on Thanksgiving Day he suffered a third stroke and was rendered unconscious. He grew weaker gradually until he slept peacefully away Saturday afternoon.

Funeral services were held Monday at 2 o’clock at the home and at 2:30 at the Big Springs Baptist Church, with Reverend R.A. Dahlquist in charge. Music was furnished by a quartette composed of Mrs. Algot Carlson, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Johnson and Ralth Johnson. A beautiful solo, “One Sweet Solemn Thought,” was sung by Ralph Johnson.

The pallbearers were Eric Ericson, Edwin Olson, Charley Larson, Emil Peterson and Aljie and Harold Larson. Following the services the remains were brought to Hawarden and laid to rest in Grace Hill Cemetery.

Jalmer Forrester Ericson, eldest son of Charles August and Adelaide Ericson was born June 11, 1878, in a log cabin on his father’s homestead in Big Springs Township, Union County, South Dakota. Here he grew to young manhood, enduring with his parents the many hardships of the early settlers. When a boy his grandmother, Mrs. Eric Ericson, expressed the wish that her home become Jalmer’s some day as he accepted the task of caring for his bed-ridden grandfather, and with the aid of his wife performed this service for eight years, and this thus became his home.

He was united in marriage with Alice Elizabeth Johnson at Komstad, South Dakota, June 28, 1902. To this union were born two children, a daughter and a son. Together they lived on the farm, building up a modern home. In going about his work he was very orderly, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” His motto was “What’s worth doing is worth doing well.” His greatest enjoyment was his home and family. Mr. Ericson became a servant of the Lord in February, 1914, and was baptized and united with the Big Springs Baptist Church and was a member until the time of his death.

In the spring of 1934 he and his wife moved to Sioux City. There he was employed at Steffen’s Body Building Works, building Lewis system police cars. While engaged in this work he met with the misfortune of losing two fingers on his left hand. Later he was employed as night fireman at the Sioux City Wind Charger plant and while at work there he was afflicted with a stroke. A little over a year ago he and his wife moved back to the farm home where he might enjoy more freedom. During his long illness his wife tenderly cared for him and even through at times the task was hard, she never failed in what she regarded as her duty.

Leaving to mourn his departure are his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Irene Lillian Ney of Hawarden, and a son, Arlington Ferdinand Ericson, and his little grandson, Laurel Lee Ericson of Big Springs. He is also survived by his aged mother, Mrs. C.A. Ericson of Hawarden; one sister, Mrs. Helmer Leafstedt of Hawarden; four brothers, Arnold of Isanti, Minnesota; Albert of Lake Wilson, Minnesota; Ted of Big Springs, and Eldon of Hawarden, and also many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives.

Relatives from a distance who attended the funeral were Arnold Ericson and son Olvern of Isanti, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ericson and two daughters, April and Mary Elizabeth, of Lake Wilson, Minnesota; Mrs. William Winterlin and Mrs. James Dynosky of Sioux City; Mrs. Mary Peterson and two sons, Raymond and Floyd of Wagner, South Dakota, and Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Johnson and daughter Virginia of Beresford.