Erik Pedersen NUNDAL

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Husmand m J, Arbeider med Jordbrugsarbeide
• Baptism: 11 Aug 1867, Årdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

According to Digitalarkivet, the family was living on the “Osene” farm in Aardal at the time of the 1900 census. Erik was a tenant farmer and farm laborer. Living with the family was Malina’s mother, Brita Øren born in 1837.

Died:
A brief article in the June 14, 1935, edition of the La Crosse Tribune noted that Bertha and Ida had just received word of the death of their father in Norway.

Family/Spouse: Malene Ovesdatter ØREN. Malene (daughter of Ove Thomasson HAREID and Brita Jonsdatter ØREN) was born on 23 Nov 1867 in Årdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 1 Jan 1889, Årdal, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

Notes:

The Bergen departure records show her (as Ida Eriksdtr Øren) leaving for the U.S. on October 29, 1907.

In the 1910 census she was a 21 year-old servant living and working at Torger Fortney’s hotel on Main Street in Viroqua.

In the 1920 census, Adolph and Ida and family were tobacco farmers in Kickapoo Twp, Vernon County. They lived next door to Sam and Inga Nundahl and not far from Abraham and Annie Nelson.

In the 1930 census, Ida was a widow running her farm and family in Kickapoo Twp. Living on the farm is Carl E. Sime, 46, cousin.

She was Mrs. Ida Anderson, living in Viroqua, at the time of her sister Bertha’s death.

Family/Spouse: Adolph ANDERSON. Adolph (son of John O M ANDERSON and Ingeborg (Emily)) was born in 1891 in Wisconsin; died on 31 Oct 1921 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried in Franklin Lutheran Church, Folsom, Franklin Twp, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Vernon County Death Index: V29, P152 As Bertha Malina Ekum

Notes:

The Bergen departure records show her (Britha Eriksdtr Øren) as leaving for the U.S. on November 2, 1908. Her reason for leaving was to better her living condition. She was to meet family in Madison, Wisconsin.

Bertha Øren Ekum's youngest sister and her granddaughter were scheduled to visit Ernest and Dorothy from Norway in the summer of 1983. Bertha's youngest sister is only one year older than Ernest, had already been over to the U.S. twice (as of March, 1983), and couldn't speak English.

The 1910 census shows Bertha as an 18 year old housemaid servant girl employed by Clause Bowe. She arrived in this country in 1909 and wasn’t yet able to speak English.

Cora’s address list shows an address for Bertha Ekum at or around 1957 as 419 South Washington in Viroqua.

Bertha’s only sibling in the U.S., at least living at the time of Bertha’s death, was, apparently, her sister Ida (“Mrs. Ida Anderson”). According to Bertha’s obit, she had 2 brothers and four sisters still living in Norway.

Died:
“in a Viroqua hospital after an illness of one week”

Buried:
1NO25

Brita married Albert M EKUM on 19 Dec 1911 in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Albert (son of Thomas Monsen EIKUM (MUNSON) and Susanna Clausdatter (Susan) BOWE) was born on 26 Nov 1882 in Liberty Pole, Franklin Twp, Vernon County, Wisconsin; died on 4 Mar 1952 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried on 8 Mar 1952 in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
His obit says 13 July

Family/Spouse: Carol R. Carol was born about 1905; died on 12 Sep 1977 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin; was buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Clayton Twp, Crawford County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She survived her brother, who died in 1969. At that time she was Mrs. Emma Fortney of Glendale, Arizona.

Notes:

She survived her brother, who died in 1969. At that time she was Mrs. Esther Benrud of Westby.

Esther married Paul BENRUD on 23 Dec 1944 in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Paul died on 6 Nov 1973. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Bookkeeper, town clerk, farmer
• Social Security Number: 393-10-1662 issued in Wisconsin before 1951

Notes:

Graduated from Ole Torger School in 1927. His wife’s obit said that she and Ernest farmed in the town of Franklin from 1941 until 1990 when they moved to Viroqua.

According to Dorothy Fish Ekum's letter of March, 1983, Ernie, Susanne, and one of Susanne's sons visited Norway and the relatives "five years ago."

In her Christmas card of 1986, Dorothy Fish Ekum tells Cora that Ernest intended to retire from his town clerk job, "and 25 years of aggravation," in the spring of 1987.

Ernest’s obit said that he was a bookkeeper for the Wadhams Oil Co. for 7 years, Clerk for the Town of Franklin for 25 years, a member of ASCS board for 15 years, treasurer for the Ole Torger School Board, a member of the church council at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and a member of the Viroqua Eagles Club.

Not listed in the 1930 census. Was not listed with Albert’s household.

Ernie and Dorothy’s address in the country was Rt. #4, Viroqua 54665. The 1948 Vernon County plat book shows that Ernest owned 160 acres in Section 27: three of the four quarters of the SW corner (Carl owned the SE quarter of that corner) and the SW corner of the NW corner.

In the 1950 census, he and his family lived a couple of farms away from the Carl Nundahl farm in Franklin Twp, Vernon County.

Birth:
date confirmed in SSDI

Died:
date confirmed in SSDI

Buried:
funeral at Immanuel Lutheran Church

Ernest married Dorothy Mae FISH on 16 Oct 1937 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Dorothy (daughter of Harvey Herb FISH and Erma Furl OSBORN) was born on 8 Nov 1915 in Viroqua Twp, Vernon County, Wisconsin; died on 26 Oct 2003 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried on 29 Oct 2003 in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Vernon County Death Index: V12, P202 As Selma Margrete

Notes:

Her obit noted that she “passed away suddenly, having been ill only a few hours.”

Birth:
“near Readstown”

Buried:
Rev. Borgen conducted the funeral, buried with her parents 1NO25

Other Events and Attributes:

• Confirmation: 25 Oct 1931, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin

Notes:

Cora pronounced her name as Ther-ess-a, second syllable rhyming with dress.

Graduated from Ole Torger School in 1931. She was a very good student according to her 5th grade report that is included in the VCHS records for the Ole Torger school.

She attended high school in Viroqua and graduated in May of 1935.

She was reported to be ill in several newspaper accounts from the later 1930s. The family had a large celebration for her 19th birthday. Perhaps there was some doubt that she would have much longer to live.

She was still living at home at the time of the 1940 census. She had had 4 years of high school.

At one point, perhaps in the mid-1950s, Theresa and Floyd lived at 122 North East Avenue in Viroqua.

Theresa had diabetes, apparently, and gradually lost her sight. As early as the mid-1960s she was corresponding with Cora via a typewriter because she could no longer see to write. By 1975, she implies in her Christmas letter that her sight wasn’t much better than distinguishing between dark and light.

In her birthday letter to Cora dated February 28, 1974, Theresa says that she had had a “siege” in the hospital in December of 1973, apparently from the flu.

Cora kept several letters from Theresa, with whom she apparently corresponded fairly regularly. Theresa’s birthday was the only one from Viroqua that Cora noted in each of her diaries.

Theresa typed this letter to Cora (dated only "Thursday P.M.") apparently sometime after Cora, Ron, and Don R. had driven down to visit on Sunday, June 19, 1966.

Dear Cora,

Got your letter Tues. morning and was so glad to hear that you made it home O.K. and that you all enjoyed your day with us. Floyd and I enjoyed it a lot, too, and we both say that you have a couple of real nice grandson's. Am glad too, that you came when you did, as now my eyes are hemorrhaging again, so I am in a dense fog again. Had such terrible dizzy, headaches the last couple of days but have felt better today. Of course, it cut down on my activities again, but I do go out and water the flowers every day, to get my excercise. I know the landmarks real well, and can see a little bit, so when I take my time I get around pretty good at home.

Uncle Martin found the original deed to the farm and the homestead was approved in 1874. Of course, they had to live there three years before it was approved. He said he didn't know just when the house was built, as when they first came there they lived in a basement, which was up behind the house--said he thought the markings of that old basement still showed up.

I also found out that the farm has been sold. the fellow who bought the Lewis Hanson farm near Mason City bought it. Uncle Martin said that he'd heard he paid seven thousand for it.

All for now--hope I haven't made too many mistakes so you can read this, as I sure can't see what I'm writing. Come again when you can--

Much Love Theresa

Theresa typed this letter to Cora, dated Wednesday, April 22nd, 1970 (postmarked April 23 from Viroqua), and Cora had marked it "Keep this letter":

Dear Cora,

I'm sorry I've been so long answering your letter, with the information you asked for. But with the confusion of Esther's death I didn't ask Uncle Martin for awhile, and then when I did he kept forgetting to get the deed out. So last night we went up there, and Floyd read the deed -- and good thing we did as Uncle Martin was a little mixed up on it. Anyhoo, the homestead was applied for on May 20, 1862 and was approved June 15, 1874. They must have applied for the homestead rights, right after they came over here. As my grandma was around a year and a half when they came over and she was born Dec. 18, 1860. Uncle Martin says that they lived at Liberty Pole for awhile where Grandpa Bowe was a shoe maker. Oh yes, Grandpa Bowe was born in 1833 in Vaas (I don't know if that is spelled right -- it's pronounced V-aw-s) it is in Bergen, Norway.

Uncle Martin is feeling pretty good now. Thea is still there, but he is letting her go the first of May -- says he can't afford to keep her on. We tried to talk him into keeping her on, as we will worry about him there alone, but when he makes up his mind, that's it. Don't say anything, but I have a sneaky suspician that he is afraid people will talk. He is terribly lonesome I think, and wont eat like he should either.

This sure is some weather -- it stays so cold and everything is so behind. Was down to 26 degrees here this morning, and has been drizzling all morning. Guess maybe you have been having sime snow this week, tho -- were a few flurries here yesterday. And seems like we have so much wind, too -- April hasn't been near as nice as March was.

I have a man here checking my refrigerater this morning. I don't know if he can fix it or now--may have to get a new one, if the unit is shot. They sure don't make them as good as they used to -- I had my Coldspot for 15 years and it was still running pretty good when we traded it off, and we have only had this one eight years. We sure weren't planning on this extra expense right now. As Floyd just got a new pick-up, and they don't give them away either. This is the first brand new one we've ever had -- but the old truck was getting to where he hardly dared take it out on the road, so we decided to get a new one instead of buying someone elses troubles.

My eyes are a little better so I have been trying to get some baking done up-- it's not easy, but I struggle along and manage pretty good. I should be cleaning house, but just can't get in the mood in this weather. I have been "reading" some books lately, so am afraid i spend a lot of time with my record player.

Guess I don't know too much news. Talked to Bennetta and Selma (Olson) just a minute at Esther's funeral.

Richard and Willie Hendrickson and Mildred were down for Esther's funeral. It had been 25 years since I had seen Willie -- about 30 years since he had been down here.

All for now--thank you for the nice Easter card--I didn't get any sent out this year. And hope you will forgive me for being so slow with this information.

Much love Theresa

Theresa had the May 20, 1862, part wrong. That was the date that Congress passed the Homestead Act. Reference to that date is included on the original land patent. How she thought that Susan was a year-and-a-half old when the family moved to the U.S. is a mystery and a perpetuation of the myth of the early-1860s emigration. We know that Claus and his family were still in Norway as late as 1865. Maybe Theresa was confused with Susan’s husband Thomas who supposedly came to the U.S. when he was a year-and-a-half old. (Which, as it turns out, is not true either.)

Confirmation:
Immanuel Lutheran

Died:
“in a La Crosse hospital” according to her obit

Theresa married Floyd Albert CLEMENTS on 14 Oct 1944 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Floyd (son of George CLEMENTS and Elsie SMITH) was born on 16 Apr 1914 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; died on 15 Jul 1994 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A note in the Vernon County Censor’s 17 Dec 1919 edition noted that Mrs. Albert Ekum and baby are spending a few days at Viroqua where the little one is under the care of a doctor.

Graduated from the Ole Torger School in 1933.

He lived at home with his parents and siblings in the 1940 census. He was a farm laborer and had been educated through the 8th grade.

He was discharged from Fort Sheridan in Illinois in August or early September of 1945.

Archie’s obit in the Viroqua paper listed his date of death as October 30th.

Was in the service in Birmingham, England, and, apparently, stayed.



Archie’s enlistment record:

Name:Archie B Ekum
Birth Year:1919
Race:White, citizen
Nativity State or Country:Wisconsin
State:Wisconsin
County or City:Vernon
Enlistment Date:25 Oct 1940
Enlistment State:Wisconsin
Enlistment City:Milwaukee
Branch:Coast Artillery Corps
Branch Code:Coast Artillery Corps or Army Mine Planter Service
Grade:Private
Grade Code:Private
Term of Enlistment:Enlistment for Hawaiian Department
Component:Regular Army (including Officers, Nurses, Warrant Officers, and Enlisted Men)
Source:Civil Life
Education:Grammar school
Marital Status:Single, without dependents
Height:67
Weight:131

An article in the La Crosse Tribune’s September 6, 1945, edition reported that Pfc Archie Ekum was “home from the European thater of operations and was discharged at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.” No mention is made of whether or not Archie was married at that time. However, his first child was already under way at that point.

Archie married Margaret Irene WOOLOFF in 1944 in Birmingham, England. Margaret was born on 18 Jun 1922; died in May 1988 in Leicestershire, Warwickshire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor
• Social Security Number: 393-18-4593 Issued In WI Before 1951

Notes:

Graduated from the Ole Torger School in 1935.

In the 1940 census, he was a senior in high school.

Graduated from Viroqua High School in 1940. Graduated from UW-Platteville in 1947.

In the 1943 Madison, Wisconsin, city directory, Walter is a “sub clerk” for the post office. He lives at 109 West Johnson.

In the 1950 census, he and Marjorie were living with her mother, Edna Schmid, in Monroe.

In a typed note to Cora from what appears to be December 11, 1965, Theresa Clements mentions that she and Floyd had spent Thanksgiving with Walter and family in Monroe. “They had just moved into a beautiful new home and it sure was nice -- our place looked pretty tacky when we got home.” Theresa and Sally and family (Floyd stayed home) also went to Walter’s for Thanksgiving in 1968.

Had an abstract office in Monroe. Lived in Monroe but wintered in Florida.

He resigned from his position as city engineer of Monroe on 31 Jan 1961 “to take over his newly-acquired abstract business.” He had been city engineer from 1951 to 1952 and was rehired in 1955 or 1956. In the intervening period he was a mining engineer with a company in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Licensed Land Surveyor in Wisconsin, #650. The license was first issued November 22, 1957, and expired on January 31, 2000.

Walter’s enlistment record:

Name:Walter R Ekum
Birth Year:1921
Race:White, citizen
Nativity State or Country:Wisconsin
State:Wisconsin
County or City:Vernon
Enlistment Date:8 Aug 1942
Enlistment State:Wisconsin
Enlistment City:Milwaukee
Branch:Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Branch Code:Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Grade:Private
Grade Code:Private
Term of Enlistment:Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
Component:Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source:Civil Life
Education:4 years of high school
Civil Occupation:Engineering Aide (Designated Field) or Sales Clerk
Marital Status:Single, without dependents
Height:66
Weight:131

Wally and Marjorie donated a 1.63 acre parcel in Monroe, located along 3rd Avenue north of the Moose Lodge, as a city park. The Ekum family also donated a 40’ diameter octagon shelter that was to be constructed in the park in the spring of 2006.

From the Monroe Times as published Saturday, June 26, 2004:

Walter Raymond Ekum, age 82 of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2004 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital.

Wally was born September 20, 1921, the son of Albert and Bertha Ekum, in Viroqua, WI. In 1941, after graduating from high school in Viroqua, WI, he served in the United States Army. Wally graduated from the school of Mining and Engineering in Platteville. He married Marjorie Schmid in 1948 at the Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, WI. He was employed as an engineer in lead and copper mines in Wisconsin and the upper Michigan Peninsula. The family located in Monroe in the mid-fifties when Wally was employed as City Engineer. He then began his Abstract & Land Surveying Business known as W. R. Ekum Abstracts. In conjunction with his abstract and land surveying business, he served three terms as City Mayor. Wally served on numerous city, county and state committees and organizations.

Wally is survived by his wife, Marjorie; daughter, Nancy (Richard) Maliszewski; son, Eric (Anne) Ekum; four grandchildren, Ryan, Jeffrey, Nicholas and Elizabeth; a brother, Thomas (Gwynn) Ekum, of Kansas; sisters, Dorothy (Arland) McKittrick of Richland Center, and Sally (Adrian) Sherry, of Onalaska.

Wally's pride, dedication, and interest in the city of Monroe was never ending.

A celebration of Wally's life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 27, 2004 at the Union Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Paul Ketterer, family member, of the United Methodist Church in Lake Mills, will be officiating. Relatives and friends may greet the family following the celebration of life at the Peppercorn Cafe. Memorials may be made to the Union Presbyterian Church of Monroe, or the Chicago Shriners Hospital for children. The Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family.

He received a military burial at Greenwood Cemetery.

Birth:
“a twelve-pound boy” as reported in the Vernon County Censor

Walter married Marjorie Lois SCHMID on 4 Jul 1948 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin. Marjorie was born on 1 Dec 1927 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin; died on 3 Dec 2009 in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin; was buried on 6 Dec 2009 in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Librarian

Notes:

Dorothy and Arland were living in Soldiers Grove at the time of Albert’s death according to his obit.

Clara, Caroline, and Dorothy visited Cora at her Minnehaha Avenue home on July 17, 1944.

Dorothy was a student at the University of Wisconsin at the time she married Arland.

Her obit:

Dorothy Marie McKittrick, 94, of Viola passed away at Creamery Creek Assisted Living in Viroqua Friday, July 10, 2020. Dorothy was born in Vernon County to Albert and Bertha (Oren) Ekum on October 30, 1925. She graduated from Readstown High School and Vernon County Normal School. She married Arland McKittrick June 30, 1948. They spent most of their married life farming in Sylvan Township in Richland County. Dorothy had several careers in her life, including teacher, CNA, and librarian. She was very active with her church, Sugar Grove Church of Christ, her community, and her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Ellen (Bob) Miller of Viola; and her son; Tom McKittrick of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Ryan McKittrick, Josh (Elizabeth) Miller, Stephanie (Aaron) Joyce, Todd McKittrick, Kyle (Sara) McKittrick, Will (Katie) Miller, Tim (Nicole) McKittrick, Anna McKittrick, Grace McKittrick, Sam McKittrick (Carolena); and her sister-in-law, June McKittrick. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren; other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arland; her daughter, Arlana Merry; her son, Larry; and daughter-in-law, Sara McKittrick; as well as her siblings, Ernest, Selma, Theresa Clements, Archie, Walter, Sally Sherry, Tom; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

A private family service will be held at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua, with burial in the Sugar Grove Cemetery.



Started working as a librarian at the Viola Elementary school in the early 1980s.

Dorothy married Arland J MCKITTRICK on 30 Jun 1948 in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Arland (son of Ernest Melvin MCKITTRICK and Matilda J BORLAND) was born on 10 May 1924 in Crawford County, Wisconsin; died on 26 Aug 2015 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; was buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Clayton Twp, Crawford County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Almost certainly named after her sister who died in 1923.

She had perfect attendance in high school: neither absent nor tardy during the entire four years.

Living in Readstown at the time of Albert’s death according to his obit.

Living in Des Moines, Iowa, at the time of Archie’s death according to his obit.

Living in Onalaska at the time of Ernest’s death.



She was a vice-president and regional director of Stanley Home Products from 1981 to her retirement in 1991.

Her funeral services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse.

Selma (Sally) Sherry, 79, of Onalaska, died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 13, 2007.

Sally was a devoted wife for 59 years, loving mother and a wonderful grandmother. Sally Sherry was born March 2, 1928, at Mason City, (rural Viroqua) Wisconsin, the daughter of Albert and Bertha Ekum. Upon graduation from Readstown High School, she worked in the offices of the J.C. Penney store in Viroqua. Sally was united in marriage to Adrian Gerhard Sherry on December 4, 1947, in Viroqua. She and her husband lived and farmed at Kickapoo (rural Readstown) for 12 years prior to moving to Viroqua. In 1953, Sally began her work for the Stanley Home Products Company. During her illustrious career, Sally rose through the ranks from sales person to V.P., regional director, a position she held for 10 years before retiring in 1991. Sally made many lifelong friends during her Stanley career. Sally was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse, where she devoted much of her time to volunteer work. Sally cherished her time spent with and caring for her grandchildren. She enjoyed travel, reading and taking care of her home and garden.

Survivors include her husband, Adrian of Onalaska; two children, Cynthia Wendel (David) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Karl Adrian Sherry (Joyce) of Minnetonka, Minnesota; grandchildren, Mathew Weirauch of Manhattan Beach, California, and Elizabeth Weirauch (Mark Haley) of Ecuador; a sister, Dorothy McKittrick (Arland) of Viola; a brother, Thomas Ekum of Hutchison, Kansas; several in-laws, nieces and nephews and many friends.

In addition to her parents, Sally was also preceded in death by three brothers, Ernest Ekum, Walter Ekum and Archie Ekum; two sisters, Theresa Clements and Selma Margaret Ekum. Sally will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Onalaska. The Rev. Roger Grow and the Rev. Liberty Lausterer officiated and burial was in the Viroqua Cemetery.

Died:
SSDI’s “last residence”

Buried:
4S22

Selma married Adrian Gerhard SHERRY on 4 Dec 1947 in Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. Adrian (son of Gerhard SHERRY and Mabel Caroline SVIGGUM) was born on 26 Feb 1926 in Vernon County, Wisconsin; died on 20 Jan 2014 in La Crosse County, Wisconsin; was buried in Viroqua Cemetery, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Meat inspector

Notes:

Graduated from Viroqua High School in 1948.

In the 1950 census, Thomas was a lodger with the Kalstadt family in McPherson, Kansas. He is employed making ice cream at a dairy.

At the time of his father’s death, Tom was “in armed services at Fort Eustis, VA.”

Tom and Gwenn lived in McPherson, Kansas, for many years where they ran a chicken and ice factory.

In the 1954 McPherson, Kansas, city directory, Thomas and Gwynn live at 831 N Barber. Thomas is plant manager for Mid-Kansas Hatchery and Produce.

In the 1962 McPherson city directory, Thomas is a meat cutter for Mid-Kansas Produce. He and Gwynn and their four children live at 819 E Euclid. The directory lists their children as Rick, 10, Kristi, 7, Kimberly, 5, and Craig, 4.

From the November 9, 2000, Hutchinson (KS) News:

Thomas and Gwendolyn Ekum, Hutchinson, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Branson, Mo., this month. They will celebrate with their family in December.

Ekum and the former Gwendolyn Roth were married Nov. 12, 1950, in McPherson. He is retired from Western Ice and Poultry, McPherson, and United States Department of Agriculture - Food Safety Inspection Service, Springdale, Ark. She is retired from Western Ice and Poultry, McPherson.



Thomas R. “Tom” Ekum, 85, of Hutchinson, Kan., died Oct. 26, 2015, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Vernon County, Wis., to Albert and Bertha (Oren) Ekum.

He graduated from Viroqua High School, Viroqua, Wis., in 1948. Tom was a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953. He was a past commander of the McPherson American Legion Post 24, is a member of the Eagles and the Elks Lodge, and is a lifetime member of the VFW. Tom was owner and operator of Mid Kansas Produce and worked later as a federal poultry inspector in Arkansas. He was and a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

On Nov. 12, 1950, he married Gwendolyn Roth in McPherson, Kan. She died Feb. 1, 2006.

Survivors include children, Kristi Ekum, Dodge City, Kan., Kimberly Ekum-Anthony Harris (Michael Harris), Kansas City, Mo., Craig Ekum (Joleen), McPherson, Kan., Richard Ekum, Wichita, Kan.; sister, Dorothy Ekum McKittrick, Viola, Wis.; sister-in-law, Barbara Roth Unrein, Great Bend, Kan.; brother-in-law, Paul Roth, Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren, Michelle Shelton, Eric Ekum, Jessica Anthony, Haley Cowan, Benjamin Anthony, Jay Harris, Kylie Koehn and Cody Ekum; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Gwynn; parents; and six brothers and sisters.

Funeral service were held Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, Kan., with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Burial followed at McPherson City Cemetery, McPherson, Kan., with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Thomas married Gwendolyn Osa (Gwynn) ROTH on 12 Nov 1950 in McPherson, McPherson County, Kansas. Gwendolyn was born on 22 Aug 1931 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa; died on 1 Feb 2006 in Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas; was buried on 6 Feb 2006 in McPherson City Cemetery, McPherson, McPherson County, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Confirmation: 1 Jun 1969, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Viroqua, Vernon County, Wisconsin

Notes:

Graduated from Viroqua High School in 1972. Lived in Viroqua until her death. Never married.



In her obituary, it was noted that Trudy died of a “massive aneurism” and that she was a Sunday School teacher and worked in Viroqua at the time of her death.

The casket-bearers at her funeral were Larry McKittrick, Tom McKittrick, David Fish, Stan Zube, Earl Morkrid, and Leon Primmer.

Buried:
funeral at Immanuel Lutheran Church 7NE4

Notes:

Larry D. McKittrick, age 68, of Warrens, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, January 04, 2018, at his home. He was born April 25, 1949, to Arland and Dorothy (Ekum) McKittrick.

He was united in marriage to Sara (Hanson); together they had 3 sons, Ryan, Todd and Kyle. Larry enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, attending a wrestling tournament, or spending time with his friends and family.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy, his sons, Ryan of Elroy, Todd of Ashland and Kyle (Sara Niebuhr) of Tomah, grandchildren, Nolan McKittrick, Colin McKittrick, Brooklyn McKittrick, Micayla Williams, Ethan Mckuen, Brennan McKittrick, Logan McKittrick, Alexis Hedding, Ellie McKittrick, Henry McKittrick, a brother, Tom McKittrick and a sister, Ellen (Bob) Miller, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara, twin sister Arlana, grandchild Dylan, and his father, Arland.

Larry married Sara K HANSON on 5 May 1973 in Vernon County, Wisconsin. Sara was born on 3 Sep 1952 in La Crosse County, Wisconsin; died on 15 Jul 1998 in Monroe County, Wisconsin; was buried on 18 Jul 1998 in Warren Mills Cemetery, Warrens, Monroe County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Nurse at University Hospital

Notes:

In a typed note to Cora in March of 1968, Theresa Clements mentions that she bakes a lot and sends boxes of goodies with Cindy and Lana to take back with them when they come home on weekends.

Killed in a car accident.

From an article in the Estherville Daily News from Estherville, Iowa, in its issue of Tuesday, December 26, 1972, p. 3:

Arlana Merry, 23, of Iowa City, was killed in a three-vehicle accident Sunday morning in Coralville. She was injured when her car was struck by a truck driven by Harold Thompson, 37, of Marion, and slammed into a traffic signal. She died later in University Hospitals in Iowa City.

(Coralville is a suburb of Iowa City.)

The La Crosse Tribune issue of Tuesday, December 26, 1972, p. 4, had this:

Former Viola Woman Dies In Iowa Crash

READSTOWN, Wis. - Mrs. Arlana Merry, 23, of Iowa City, Iowa, formerly of Viola, was killed Sunday, Dec. 24, in an auto accident in Iowa. No details were reported. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Sugar Grove Church of Christ near Readstown. Rev. Tim Bright and Joe Adams officiating, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends were to call Tuesday afternoon and evening at the Sime Funeral Home in Readstown and at the church Wednesday after noon. She was born April 25. 1949, to Mr. and Mrs. Arland McKittrick, and she married Steven Merry in 1971. After graduating from Kickapoo High School at Viola, she took nurses training in Madison and was a registered nurse. She is survived by her husband, her parents of Viola; two brothers, Larry and Tom, and a sister, Ellen, all at home, and a grandmother, Mrs. Ernest McKittrick of Soldiers Grove.

Arlana married Steven MERRY in 1971 in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]