Ben ERSLAND

ERSLAND, AMERSON, PRESLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:47

September 1, 1928 - August 15, 2021

Ben Ersland, 92, of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of the Thor area, passed away at his home in Phoenix on Sunday, August 15, 2021 with his wife Kathy "Kitty" by his side.

Ben was born at the family farmhouse near Thor, Iowa. He was the third child of Ben and Odessa (Amerson) Ersland. He joined an older brother Jay and sister Luella. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church near Hardy, Iowa. He married a neighbor girl, Kathryn (Kitty) Ann Presler in 1951 and shortly thereafter entered the service in the Army where he served in the 1st Calvary in the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home, he was employed at Corn Belt Power Co-op and farmed on a small acreage near Humboldt, Iowa. In 1959 the family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona where he worked for Kruft Jersey Dairy and also received his Real Estate license and worked for Tom Fannin Realty. He later then opened his own office, Ben Ersland Realty, where he remained for many years.

The family became members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where he served in numerous capacities. He was a dedicated parishioner who cherished his Norwegian background and Lutheran heritage. Ben shared many hunting and fishing trips with his son Rick and his grandsons, Erik and Adam. He enjoyed cross-country trips and other traveling. He was an excellent gardener and landscaper who took great pride in perfection.

Ben is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kitty), his son Rick Ersland (Lori), Cave Creek, Arizona, his grandsons Erik Ersland (Joanna), Gilbert, Arizona and Adam Ersland (Robin), Phoenix, Arizona. He is also survived by his three great granddaughters, Tessa & Lily Ersland, Gilbert, Arizona, Sydney Ersland, Phoenix, Arizona and one great grandson Luke Ersland, Phoenix, Arizona, plus many nieces and nephews.

A private immediate family memorial will be held in Phoenix and a memorial and interment with military rites by the Sathers-Odgaard American Legion will be held near Hardy, Iowa, at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery (1 ½ Mi. North of Highway 3 on Texas Avenue) on Saturday, September 25th at 2:00 p.m.

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