Albert Ersland Jr.

Albert Ersland, Jr. was called to his heavenly reward on Sunday, October 28, 2007. He passed away peacefully at his home where he lived with one of his sons, Dr. Jerome Ersland, and his caretaker, Ken Segotta. He was born in Chickasha on April 15, 1917 and lived in Chickasha all his life except for being deployed overseas during the entire WWII.He was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Chickasha, and was the Church's longest continuous member, having belonged for over 90 years. He was very active in the Church all his life and held every office of the Church during his lifetime. During seven pastoral vacancies, he filled in as lay minister and wrote and produced the church bulletins every week. During a two-week vacation from the Post Office, he spent the entire time helping other members build the Parish Hall at his Church. He received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Church for a lifetime of service to the Lord.Albert, affectionately known as "Junior," married Hazel Irene Weaver on New Years Eve in 1941. They were happily married for 63 1/2 years until Hazel passed away in 2005. They had four children, Albert III, Jonathan, Jerome, and Laurel.Junior joined the Boy Scouts during his youth and attained the rank of Eagle Scout with three "palms" and 42 merit badges. He was the first Scout in the Black Beaver Council to become an Eagle Scout.He served as Scout Master until the beginning of WWII. He later served as a Cubmaster in the Cub Scouts when his boys were growing up.He worked for the U.S. Post Office for 44 years, beginning in the late 1930's until he entered the Army in March 1941. He was due to be discharged from the Army when WWII broke out. He served in Hawaii, New Guinea, Dutch East Indies and the Philippine Islands with the 53rd Field Artillery battalion of the 6th Infantry Division from 1941 to 1945. He was injured twice and contracted malaria. After WWII, he joined the Army Reserve and retired after over 20 years as a Command Sergeant Major.After WWII, Junior returned to Chickasha and was involved in numerous civic and social activities in the Chickasha community. Among these activities were Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 7, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Commander of the American Legion. Also, Pack master of the Cub Scouts, Little League Baseball Coach, member of the Barber Shoppers singing group, and Committee Member for the Veterans Memorial at Shannon Springs Park, Volunteer for the Emergency Food Pantry for 27 years. Board Member of the Grady County Historical Society, and guide at the local Museum. He was active in TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) for many years and recently was selected as "King of 2006" for going from 213 pounds to 168 pounds in one year.At his death, he was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, TOPS, the Scandinavian Club of Oklahoma City, and continued his work in the First Lutheran Church, as well as being a member of many other civic and military organizations. He was well-known as an emcee and served in this capacity in many Christmas parties and Roasts of various organizations.Junior played the piano, guitar, Hawaiian guitar, and harmonica. He loved animals, reading, and had a wonderful sense of humor and an amazing memory.Junior is survived by his two sons, Albert Ersland III and wife Patricia of Fort Worth, Dr. Jerome Ersland of the home, and one daughter Laurel Boyd and husband Sam of Blanchard. Grandchildren are Jeffrey Ersland, Jeremy Ersland, Brooke Ersland, Elizabeth Crowder, Adam Boyd, and Catherine Roe. He also is a great-grandfather to Tiera Roe, Grade Roe, Jacob Ersland, Nathan Ersland, Mandi and Ty Crowder.It was Junior's last request that any memorials anyone wished to give would be given to the First Lutheran Church's Roof Replacement Fund in lieu of flowers.Albert Ersland Jr's funeral will be held at the First Lutheran Church, 9th and Minnesota, Chickasha, at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 1, 2007. Reverend David Thompson of the First Lutheran Church in Chickasha will be presiding at the service with additional remarks made by Junior's nephew, Reverend David Ersland of St. John's Lutheran Church in Okarche. All of Junior's friends are humbly requested to attend this celebration of life.