Obituary of Carl Albert Erickson

On October 30, Carl Erickson passed away peacefully with family by his side in Spiritwood at the age of 102. He was born in Black Hawk, South Dakota on December 9, 1903 and he came to the Shell Lake area with his parents in 1914. He and his brothers had formed "Erickson Brothers' Orchestra", and played for dances around the community. He worked at Tang's Garage in Parkside in the late 20s. While there he met Annie Hallman. Carl and Annie were married on January 1, 1929. Carl and Annie farmed about 8 miles south of Shell Lake from about 1930 to 1945. They had 2 daughters, Doris and Clarice. Farming was not one of his fortes. His heart was in blacksmithing and welding. He had a blacksmith shop on the farm where the local farmers came to have their work done. Then, in 1945, Carl bought the blacksmith shop from Jack Stubbs in Shell Lake and moved into town. Carl took on many projects in his life. He was among the first to take on Golf when the Shell Lake golf course opened. He and Annie enjoyed traveling with other friends to various golf courses around the country. He was also an avid curler, having taken up the sport while still on the farm. Carl lived alone after Annie, at age 96, passed away in April 2001. He will be remembered and sadly missed by his daughters Doris Ahlquist of Lacombe, AB and Clarice Kardash of Edmonton, AB; 12 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Annie; a grandson Karl Ahlquist; a son in law Herman Ahlquist; his brothers Edwin (Mabel), Axel (Penny) and Joel (Marjorie); his sisters Mandy (Frank) Johnson and Josie (Earl) Dallman. The funeral service was held on Friday, November 3rd, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. from the Lion's Hall in Shell Lake with Pastor David Jensen as the officiant. The organist was Fred Pomrenk who played the congregational hymns Amazing Grace, One Day at a Time and Just a Closer Walk With Thee. The eulogy was read by Don Ahlquist. The honorary pallbearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Carl's life and the active pallbearers were Darin Kardash, Darcy Kardash, Adam Ahlquist, Brian Johnson, Leon Erdman and Dean Barkway. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Partners In Worship Church. Carl was laid to rest in the Scandia Cemetery.