- Date Of Birth: February 4, 1911
- Date Of Death: December 13, 2012
- State: Illinois
Karl W. Erickson, 101, of Freeport, died Thursday, December 13, 2012, at Parkview Home.
Born February 4, 1911 in Cedarville, Karl was the son of Edward and Blanche Erickson. He was a graduate of Dakota High School. He and Arlene Miller were united in marriage in Cedarville and they spent almost everyday of the next 62 years together until they were separated by Arlene’s death. Karl was a life-long member of The Cedarville United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities. He was one of three men who organized and started the Cedarville Volunteer Fire Department.
He and Arlene were members of the Stephenson County Mounted Sheriff’s Patrol. He was a long time member and enthusiastic supporter of the Cedarville Historical Society. Karl and Arlene farmed the family farm initially with horse drawn equipment. When he wasn’t busy farming, he “moonlighted” at the Schrader Sales Barn in Dakota. He was very active on the Freeport Fair Board and he and Arlene were in charge of the pony show. During WWII he worked at Camp Grant in Rockford while Arlene managed the farm. He remained on the family farm until 1997 when he retired to Freeport.
He is survived by nephew, Tom (Bev) Bordner of Tulsa, OK, nephews, Joel (Bev) Scheider, and Neal Scheider and niece, Leanne (Laverne) Reidelbaugh, special friend and companion Lois Marcum, sister-in-law Dorothy (Chester) Miller and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, his sister Martha (Clarence) Bordner, four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
Karl and Arlene had no children of their own, but their niece and nephews were their kids. Each of us has fond memories of special times with Karl when he made a simple farm chore into a special lifelong memory. We all learned at an early age that their house was often a lively gathering spot where neighbors, church friends, and family members would just drop by to visit.
Karl was a happy and gentle soul who was forever whistling or humming as he went through the events of everyday life. For those of us who loved him those sweet sounds will always echo in our hearts.
