1922 – Erma Jane Sierk – 2017
Erma was the daughter of Irvin and Myrtle (Jones) Eichhorn, and was born in Cameron Township in Murray County, Minnesota on November 19, 1922. She grew up on a farm and was active in 4-H. She was especially proud of showing lambs at the South St. Paul Livestock Show. She won many running contests at school and in 4-H. Erma was also a spelling champion. After graduating from Lake Wilson High School, Lake Wilson, Minnesota at age 16, she attended business college in Minneapolis, Minnesota acquiring typing and shorthand skills. She worked as a stenographer for the IRS in St. Paul and subsequently in Marshall, Minnesota. On July 20, 1946, Erma married Leon W. Sierk in Pipestone, Minnesota and moved to the Sierk family farm in Murray County. Erma was a stay-at-home mom who cared for whoever came through her door. She was busy, but always found time to attend her daughters’ activities. She and Leon retired from the family farm in 1980, moving to Lake Wilson, Minnesota. She relocated to Jordan, Minnesota in 2010 and most recently resided in The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. Always interested and inquisitive, she avidly read newspapers, listened to WCCO radio, and followed the Minnesota Twins baseball team. She was a regular attendant at the Murray County Fair and frequently won prizes for bouquets of wildflowers and for her bread. After Leon passed in 2000, she enjoyed caring for and the company of her two Siamese cats and feeding the birds. She was a loving, supportive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She always gave practical advice often with humor and quips. Erma Jane Sierk, Belle Plaine, MN passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, April 7, 2017 at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, MN at the age of 94. Erma will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.
Erma is survived by her two daughters: Jane (James) Donna from Jordan, MN and Joyce (Barry) Bergen from Surprise, AZ; grandchildren: Joel (Rachel) Donna, Jeffrey (Kelly) Donna, Lara (Daniel) Friedman, and Kristian (Karin) Bergen; and great-grandchildren Eva and Dexter Friedman. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; daughter Jerry Noreen; sister Elva Graves, and brothers: Russel and Roger Eichhorn.
A service was held at The Lutheran Home Chapel in Belle Plaine, Minnesota on Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Eric Burgdorf officiated. Urn Bearers were her grandchildren. A light luncheon followed the service. Burial was at Lake Wilson Hillside Cemetery in Lake Wilson, Minnesota with Pastor Chad Setter officiating. Arrangements were with the Wagner Funeral Home of Jordan.
