Elvera Violet Erickson, the daughter of Per August and Edla (Carlson) Erickson, was born April 3, 1913 on the family farm in Union County, SD near Beresford. She died October 5, 2009 at the age of 96 years, 185 days.

She attended Gothland Grade School and graduated from Beresford High School. She was the second oldest graduate present at the alumni reunion held during Beresfords 125th anniversary celebration in July 2009. She married Raymond Kinkner February 5th, 1933, on the 100 year Kinkner family farm.

Elvera spent her entire life living within a four-mile radius of where she was born. She had a happy childhood growing up with two brothers and three sisters. She was a full working partner on the farm with Ray. Her good health and vitality was attributed to this and good Swedish genes. They retired from active farming when Ray reached 62 years of age, but they continued to reside on the family farm.

Elvera enjoyed working outside, especially raising flowers and vegetable gardening. She loved all farm animals, particularly cats. Her last cat came to her as a stray kitten and was simply named Kitty. She enjoyed her twin pet heifers Peg and Meg. Dancing, bowling, golfing, croquet, horseshoes, entertaining, social clubs and fishing were favorite activities. She was an avid diary keeper. At age 94 to 96 she produced many beautiful paintings in her art class.

She was an expert quilter and did perfect crewel embroidery making many family heirlooms. She was an excellent cook and maintained a huge garden and yard to age 87. She enjoyed her Friendly Hour Club whose story has been made into a semi-fictional play and performed at a Hollywood, CA Theater. She also enjoyed UCC church activities and spending time with family and friends. Her enthusiasm, ready laugh and unselfish concern for others earned her a special place in the hearts of all who have known her.

Elvera has taken a very active supportive role in the life of her daughter, Caryl, as well as the grandchildren and great grandchildren. In September of 2000 she suffered a stroke, but made a remarkable recovery. She lived in an independent apartment at the Bethesda Inn in Beresford, SD until she entered the Bethesda Home in 2005.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Caryl (Sherman) Crozier of Burnsville, MN and her granddaughters, Michelle (Scott) Kegler of Atlanta, GA and Cherise (William) Barnes and grandchildren, Rachel, Claire, and Nathan of Lakeville, MN, nieces, nephews and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband on April 7th, 1995, her parents, sisters Hazel, Alice and Edna and brothers, George and Clarence.

Funeral services will be held 10:00AM, Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the United Church of Christ in Beresford with burial to follow at the Beresford Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4PM to 8PM with family present from 6PM to 8PM and a prayer service at 7PM at the United Church of Christ in Beresford.