Harold A. Erlandson

ERLANDSON Harold A. Erlandson, age 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, May 20, 2009 at Tuscany Gardens Care Center in Pataskala after a brief battle with cancer with his family by his side. He was born December 5, 1920 to the late Carl and Linnea Erlandson in Kansas City, Mo. He was a graduate of Topeka High School in Topeka, Kan. and attended Washburn University in that same city where he was a member of Alpha Delta Fraternity. He left college to join the Army Air Force where he served during World War II as lst Lieutenant in the 20th Air Force operating B-29s. He flew 35 missions over Japan and received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, 3 bronze battle stars and three Presidential Citations. When he returned home, Harold entered the life insurance business and served as executive and actuary in that profession during his entire career. Harold is survived by his wife, Lois Erlandson of 45 years; son, Jay (Joyce) Erlandson; daughter, Jan (Randy) Smith; daughter, Jill (Tom) Fox; granddaughters, Jennifer (Ed) Cinniger and Nicole (Ben) Bitler; great-granddaughter, Kate Bitler; great-grandson, Myles Cinniger; step-grandson, Nicholas Fox; mother-in-law, Mary T. Weed; brother-in-law, Dennis (Barbara) Weed; niece, Kathy Cadero; nephew, Wesley Weed; and last but certainly not least, his loving and devoted canine companions, Sydney and Buddy. Harold was an avid golfer, loved to read and keep up on world events, enjoyed watching OSU Buckeye football, but there wasn't anything in the world that he loved more than his home, his family, and spending as much time as humanly possible with Lois, his wife and best friend. There will not be any calling hours and a private immediate-family-only Celebration of Life service will be held soon. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Harold's memory to "Friends of the Shelter", c/o Franklin County Animal Shelter, 1731 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, Oh. 43207. The family wants to publicly acknowledge the loving care that was provided to Harold by the wonderful staff at Tuscany Gardens and also that of Odyssey Health Care during his fight with cancer. The family will be forever grateful to each and every one of them. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL. To send online condolences please visit www.schoedinger.com.