Erik Alexander Dahlbacka

04/12/23 to 12/16/10 On December 16th, Dad let go of his earthly body to join his beloved wife, Kaija, while his favorite polka music played in the background. Erik was the eldest son born in Loulus, Finla nd to Arne and Annie Dahlbacka. Dad attended school until the 5th grade, and then quit to go to work after losing his father. He fibbed about his age and was hired to work in a trucking company. When it was discovered that he was 13 and not 15, the bosses wanted to let him go, but didn't because they claimed he was the best worker they had. He went to war against Russia as a corpseman on the front and demanded that the deceased be treated with respect and dignity. That is how Dad conducted his life, with dignity. He believed a man's handshake and word was his bond. He met Mom and after serving in the war they were married. When there was a threat of more Russian take over, he and Mom began their journey to America, landing in Australia where Dad worked in mines and pineapple plantations. He was coaxed to America by his Aunt Vera, and he and Mom traveled to Windsor, California. It was while there that his cousin, John Ahlquist, talked him into coming to Eureka to work in the woods with him in Falk. Mom and Dad came to American with no English language and very little money, but set to work immediately learning the language and earning a living. While working in the woods, Mom and Dad adopted my sister and I and Dad decided to try his hand at building houses, which is what he did until he "retired" in the 1970's. Along the way he had begun collecting little houses and remodeling them and renting them out. He and mom developed a very successful rental business, which continues today. Dad was a member of the Order of Runeberg and had the title of Past President, Local Lodge #102, and Past Western District President. He took his Heritage seriously and worked to preserve it through the Order of Runeberg. He and Mom were avid polka dancers, traveling 9 months out of the year following polka parties until about five years ago. They made many friends along their travels, friendships that continue today. Dad is survived by his brother John Dahlbacka; his daughters, Lisa and Sonja Dahlbacka; grandchildren Sarah Carroll, Trevor and Morgan Beebe and Levi Jones; great-grandchildren Shyloh Nicholson and Fiona and Henry Beebe. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kaija Dahlbacka; his brother Kalle Dahlbacka; his parents and numerous other relatives. We would like to thank Gail Holland for her loving care of our father. You made it possible for us to keep him in his home, as he wished. Thank you, also, to Hospice for your kind and caring support over these last 2 weeks. Friends are invited to attend Graveside Services at Ocean View Cemetery on 12/29/10 at 11:30 a.m. with reception to follow at 3185 Lucia Avenue in Eureka. Memorial contributions may be made to Order of Runeberg Scholarship Fund. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.