John Gerdin Dies at Age 91 Years; Rites held Monday
John Gerdin, resident of this community for almost 60 years, passed away in his home in Maple Ridge last Friday afternoon, after being bedridden the past two an a half years in the weakened condition brought about by his advanced age. He was past 91 years and if he had lived a few weeks longer he and his wife would have observed their 70th wedding anniversary.
Born Dec. 3,1858 in Hellesjo, Jemtland, Sweden, Mr. Gerdin had attended school in his native province and was married there June 20, 1880, to Sigrid Knutson. The family came to this country in 1891 and after living a short time at Rush Point moved to maple Ridge where Mr. Gerdin and his wife since had made their home with the exception of a few years' residence in Braham. After leaving Braham to return to their former home at Maple Ridge they have made their home with their son and daughter-in-law, the Eric Gerdins.
Mr. Gerdin was active both in church and community affairs. He had served as treasurer of the district school board and as treasurer of Maple Ridge town board for several years. Member of the North Maple Ridge Mission church, he taught Sunday school there also for many years.
In 1913 and in 1935 he had made return trips to Sweden for visits.
Of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gerdin, two daughters had preceded their father in death, Inga in 1901 and Agnes in 1909. Surviving, besides the wife, are four daughters and three sons: Mrs. Otto Thornberg (Arvida) of Braham, Eric on the home farm, Mrs. Lydia Carlson and Walter of Minneapolis, Jonas of Elm Park, and Mrs. Charles Swanson (Hilda) and Mrs. Herman Olsen (Eva) of Maple Ridge. He leaves also 30 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, a brother, Nels Johnson of Foreston, and several nephews and nieces.
Grandsons are Pallbearers
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon this week, mat 8, at the North Maple Ridge Mission church. The Rev. LeRoy Johnson officiated, assisted by the Rev. Gordon Fanberg. The Rev. and Mrs. Marden Wickman rendered the vocal selections and Jane Hallin played the processional music and accompaniments. Grandsons Allan Gerdin, James Gerdin, Keith Gerdin, Kenneth Swanson, William Swanson and Herbert Thornberg were pallbearers. Interment was in the family lot in North Maple Ridge cemetery. Minneapolis, MN newspaper obituary in the effects of granddaughter, Helen Carlson Peterson.