D. Erickson Passed Away

J. R. Berkshire and J. A. Carter, representatives of K. of P. and Masonic Lodges Accompany Remains to Lyle.

Not for some time have the people of Lyle and vicinity been more shocked than they were Tuesday evening when it was learned that David Erickson, who was at the hospital in Albert Lea, had passed away about 9 o'clock that evening. It seemed impossible to believe the sad news. Only two weeks before he moved among us in the prime of life. Suddenly he was taken ill on the 20th of February, but in a few days rallied and was able move about. Later he had another attack and was taken to the hospital at Albert Lea where he was operated upon for appendicitis a week ago last Monday.

His operation was a critical one and until Tuesday last there was some hope of his recovery. The remains were brought here Wednesday noon and were met by a large body of friends, both young and old. Mr. Erickson has popularized the Gem Restaurant until the word Gem stood for more than a restaurant. The traveling public were made to feel that here was a man who knew his business and adapted himself to it, and as a result he had no competition in his line. He was a hard worker and possessed a kindly disposition that won him friends everywhere. He was an active member of the Masonic and Knight of Pythias orders and was counted as one of their loyal supporters.

Deceased was born in Mona Oct. 1, 1878 and lived there until he was 16 years of age, when after the death of his father he went to Mason City to work in a restaurant. He later went to the Dakotas where he followed the same occupation. For the past 15 years he has made his home in this vicinity, and for the past 10 years, with the exception of two, has been proprietor of the "Gem." In 1907, he was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Johnson who survives him. He also leaves a four year old son, a baby girl 3 months old, two sisters Mrs. Amos Clark of Austin and Mrs. Marvin Clark of Rose Creek and one brother Ole of Loveland, Colo. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at the Lutheran church, of which he was a member.