Elmer Marion Sawick (1893-1918)

SAWICK

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/10/2023 at 18:06:54

From The Slater News October 16, 1918 (page 1)

OBITUARY OF PVT. ELMER T. SAWICK

Patriotism and Love For Home and Country Filled His Bosom.

Private Elmer Marion Sawick was born May 18, q893, to parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tores Sawick, at Sheldahl, Iowa. He was baptized by Rev. Osmond Sheldahl and confirmed by Rev. S. C. Hansen at the Lincoln church in 1907. He had lived all his life at home, until he was drafted into the army on July 24th and was sent to Camp Pike, Arkansas. He had previously to his induction into the army been under the care of a doctor, the victim of a weak heart. Contracting the Spanish flu, he became seriously ill, when pneumonia set in and which closed his earthly career on Sunday, October 6th. Rev. Erickson, Lutheran pastor at the camp, visited him often during his illness and administered the Lord's communion a few days previous to his death. He asked the pastor to greet his mother and brother, that he was going home to Jesus and for them to meet him there. The first lieutenant of the boy's company sent a letter home, saying that Elmer had bee a willing, obedient soldier. He leaves an aged mother and a brother to mourn his departure. Funeral took place at Sheldahl last Thursday forenoon, the services being conducted by Rev. Duea, assisted by Rev. Anderson of that place. The choir sang several appropriate songs.

Elmer had not been in the best of health for some time and as an indication of his patriotism and earnest desire to do his bit in the great world war, he placed himself under doctor's care. His brother, Tom, who has served in the navy, implored with him that he should enlist instead, that Elmer should stay home and care for the mother. To these pleadings, Elmer said only no, that he wanted to take his turn with the rest of the boys. He did, passed the necessary examination and was training with the rest of the boys when he was stricken. Elmer deserves all the credit of one who gave his life on the battlefield and will be remembered as a faithful obedient soldier who died in the cause of humanity.