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IN LOVING MEMORY OF Rudolph Erkkila
Rudolph
Erkkila
October 10, 2009
Rudolph Erkkila's Obituary
SUPERIOR
Rudolph M. "Rudy" Erkkila, 89, of Superior, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Golden Living Center, Superior.
He was born July 11, 1920 in Oulu, Wis., son of Aina (Rantala) and John Erkkila.
Rudy worked in a bakery from 1937 until he was employed as a switchman in 1941 for the Superior Terminal and Transfer Railway.
He entered the U.S. Army in October 1942 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Rudy was sent overseas as a sergeant in the 534th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment (Amphibious Engineers) and served several campaigns in the South Pacific.
On January 23, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, Rudy and Clarice Fossum were united in marriage, and they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Rudy returned to Superior in 1946 and went back to work for the railroad. He built his own house in 1952. Retiring in 1981, he enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Texas with Clarice. During his retirement he also enjoyed playing golf and bowling. He was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers.
His memberships included the former Zoar Lutheran Church, life member of the former VFW Post # 847 and now VFW Post 1091, the Duluth Heart Club, AARP, and UTU # 832. In recent years, Rudy and Clarice attended Bayside Baptist Church.
Preceding him in death were his parents; 4 sisters, Tekla, Esther, Ailie and Ellen; and 6 brothers, Arvid, Eino, John, Waino, Ernest and Charles.
Survivors include his wife, Clarice; brother, Walter Erkkila, Poplar; brother-in-law, Kenneth Fossum, Superior; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service, Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at Bayside Baptist Church, Superior. Reverend Phil Terrill will officiate.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Fossum, Maynard Fossum, Ray Paulsen, Donald Loken, James Green, John Robinson and John Johnson.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Bayside Baptist Church, SMDC Foundation or Superior Salvation Army.
Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements.
If you wish to sign the online guest book or send condolences, please go to www.downsfh.com.
Rudolph M. "Rudy" Erkkila, 89, of Superior, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Golden Living Center, Superior.
He was born July 11, 1920 in Oulu, Wis., son of Aina (Rantala) and John Erkkila.
Rudy worked in a bakery from 1937 until he was employed as a switchman in 1941 for the Superior Terminal and Transfer Railway.
He entered the U.S. Army in October 1942 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Rudy was sent overseas as a sergeant in the 534th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment (Amphibious Engineers) and served several campaigns in the South Pacific.
On January 23, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, Rudy and Clarice Fossum were united in marriage, and they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
Rudy returned to Superior in 1946 and went back to work for the railroad. He built his own house in 1952. Retiring in 1981, he enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Texas with Clarice. During his retirement he also enjoyed playing golf and bowling. He was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers.
His memberships included the former Zoar Lutheran Church, life member of the former VFW Post # 847 and now VFW Post 1091, the Duluth Heart Club, AARP, and UTU # 832. In recent years, Rudy and Clarice attended Bayside Baptist Church.
Preceding him in death were his parents; 4 sisters, Tekla, Esther, Ailie and Ellen; and 6 brothers, Arvid, Eino, John, Waino, Ernest and Charles.
Survivors include his wife, Clarice; brother, Walter Erkkila, Poplar; brother-in-law, Kenneth Fossum, Superior; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service, Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at Bayside Baptist Church, Superior. Reverend Phil Terrill will officiate.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Superior.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Fossum, Maynard Fossum, Ray Paulsen, Donald Loken, James Green, John Robinson and John Johnson.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Bayside Baptist Church, SMDC Foundation or Superior Salvation Army.
Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements.
If you wish to sign the online guest book or send condolences, please go to www.downsfh.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rudolph Erkkila, please visit our flower store.
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