Kalmer Erickson

Kalmer Erickson, age 99, of Swift Current, SK formerly of Simmie, SK passed away on Friday, September 14, 2018 at Cypress House, Swift Current. Kalmer Julian Erickson was born February 9, 1919 to Knut & Judith Erickson, the first of three sons, on the family farm located south of Simmie. Along with his brothers, Arnold and Milton, he attended Early school, which was adjacent to the farmhouse. In February 1943, Kalmer joined the Canadian Armed Forces and served in World War II.  He was stationed at various locations in Western Canada. Among his many duties, he was a part of the Polar Bear Force, a trek which went from Williams Lake, BC to Bella Coola, BC.

On October 10, 1944, he married Clara Ellen Imsland from the Vesper area.  After his discharge from the military in 1946, they settled on the Erickson homestead, where they farmed until 1988 when they retired to Swift Current. Besides farming, Kalmer was a telephone lineman for 31 years for the Scotsguard Rural Telephone Co. He served on the board and a number of committees of the Simmie Credit Union for 25 years, was the secretary-treasurer for the Scotsguard Grazing Coop for 26 years, and spent nine years as a crop adjuster for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance.  Kalmer was also involved with the Simmie Coop and was an Early School Trustee. He held a number of positions with the Simmie Lutheran Church, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, and the Simmie Lutheran Bible Camp over the years.

Kalmer was a faithful and involved member of the Simmie Lutheran Church and later St. Olaf Lutheran Church. His faith was an important part of his life, which centered around his family, his church, and his community. He loved to help people and was always fixing things and helping out where needed. His life spanned the early days of homestead farming, the Depression, World War II — from a young family man to retirement, and the age of computers.  He embraced these changes and did what needed to be done. Kalmer lived a long, full life and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Kalmer was predeceased by his wife, Clara Ellen, of 67 years; his son, Kevin; his grandson, Dean; his brothers, Arnold (Jackie) and Milton (Ina); and by his sister-in-law, Christina. Kalmer is survived by his children, Sharon, Kay, Terry (Marilyn), and Joanne (Gilles); his grandchildren, Lenae (Steve); Shawn (Rod), Jason (Sherry), Cory (Shelley); Nels (Sohhee) and Kirsten (Nadime); his great-grandchildren, Avary, Bryn, Matthew (Angela), Mikhail (Aly), and Oliver; his great-great-grandchildren, Charlie and Eddie; his brother-in-law, Albert; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Service for Kalmer Erickson was held on Tuesday, September 24, 2018 at 1:30 pm from St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Rev. Linda Hall officiating. “How Great Thou Art” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” were sung by the congregation, with Sharon Lang serving as organist. Scripture was read by Joanne Erickson. Special music was brought by Conrad Sandberg. The eulogy was given by Terry Erickson, with Kay Smandych sharing words of remembrance. The ushers in the church were Keith Bratvold and Everett Peterson. Jason Shoults, Cory Smandych, Nels Erickson, David Weiseth, Garth Morstad, and Randy Currence served as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Kalmer’s grandchildren, Lenae DeSimone, Shawn Smandych, Jason Shoults, Cory Smandych, Nels Erickson, and Kirsten Erickson. A Private Inurnment Service will be held from Simmie Cemetery, Simmie, SK. In memory of Kalmer Erickson, donations made to the St. Olaf Memorial Fund and Gideons International would be appreciated by the family. 

The family of Kalmer Julian Erickson wish to thank everyone for their expressions of sympathy, your prayers, comforting words, flowers, cards, food, and memorial gifts following his passing. Thank you to Pastor Linda Hall for conducting the church service, the pallbearers and honorary pallbearers, ushers, and those who provided the music and tributes, St. Olaf Lutheran Church and those who served at the reception. We are grateful to everyone who came to join our family in celebrating Kalmer’s life. Thank you to the staff of Cypress House and Dr. Bakare for the care given to Kalmer during his time there. Also, thank you to the Bible Study Group, Exercise Group, table mates who shared lots of mealtime laughter and memorable life stories together, as well as other residents that he had the privilege of getting to know. A special thank you to the Swift Current Funeral Home for their assistance given to our family during this time.

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