Erling G. Landsverk Obituary (1926

KING/PARDEEVILLE -- Erling Gunder Landsverk passed away from complications of COPD on September 22. His very productive life was an inspiration for all who knew him. He was born in Dunseith, North Dakota December 18, 1926 to Gunder & Olga (Grasvold) Landsverk. He spent his youth growing up in the Turtle Mountains during the Great Depression until his family moved to Wisconsin in 1943. He graduated from Rio high School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the Army where he served his country in combat in the Philippines during WWII. After returning from the war he studied music in St. Paul where he mastered the classical guitar, a gift he shared with family and friends for generations. In 1948, he began working in construction as a bricklayer and stonemason, eventually running work for Marshall Erdman, based in Madison where he worked on several Frank Lloyd Wright projects, including the Unitarian Church in Madison. 1951 he married Louise Joan Larson at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio, Wisconsin. In 1954 he began a small general contracting business, which he operated from the Pardeeville area for over 30 years, completing a wide range of projects in residential, commercial, industrial and public works. During that time that he trained many young men in the building trades and guided them to grow and develop into master craftsmen. His dedicated employees were like an extended family to him. After retiring from his construction business, he worked part time as an expeditor and property manager in Plover until macular degeneration finally took most of his sight. The epitome of perseverance, he continued to entertain with his music and published many thought provoking opinion articles in the local newspapers. He was a member of the American Legion and Masonic Lodge and conducted Masonic rites for many members over the years. He served on the Pardeeville School Board, church council and supported numerous community activities. Erling was preceded in death by his parents, Gunder and Olga; brothers Rolf and Harold (Ozzie); and sisters Borghild Filas and Thelma Johnson; nephew Steve and grandson Justin. He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons Owen, Eric, Gary and daughter Amy; grandchildren Jennifer, Christopher, Nicholas, Jacob, Jason and Jonathan; great-grandchildren Treyten, Kaleb, Kennedy, Riley, Lia, and Genevieve; nieces, nephews and many other dear friends. Funeral services with full military honors will be held 11 AM Monday September 26 at Bonnet Prairie Lutheran Church in Rio with Pastor Joan Wittrock officiating. Burial will follow at Bonnet Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 25 from 3 to 6 PM at Grasse Funeral Home, 119 Industrial Drive, Pardeeville and from 9:30 AM until time of service Monday at the church. The family would like to give special thanks to ThedaCare Hospice and the wonderful staff of the King Veterans Home for their kindness and wonderful care during his final weeks. 2d