George Erlandson

George Erlandson, 90, of Great Falls, Montana, passed away on September 6, 2017 with his wife by his side. He left this life quickly and without pain or suffering, a truly graceful exit.He was born in Great Falls, Montana on January 26, 1927 to parents Claus Erlandson and Marie Blomander, both Swedish immigrants who chose Montana as their new home. He grew up in Black Eagle and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1946.George served his country during the Korean War and was stationed in South Korea and Japan. He left the service with the rank of sergeant and seldom spoke of his experience over seas. Only recently, after finding and reviewing some old army photos, did he venture to relive those days, recounting how he had missed a troop deployment flight out of Japan because he forgot his jacket in his jeep. That airplane, he remembered, crash-landed killing everyone on board. His hands were shaking as he shared this story, counting himself lucky and grateful for the chance to live when so many of his friends and fellow soldiers perished.After the war, George returned to Montana and began working for Caterpillar in Lewistown, MT as a parts man. He would eventually return to Great Falls, where he was employed as a parts manager at John Deere and later at the Taylor Brothers John Deere dealership. He was well known in the farming community and made many lasting friendships during his years in the field. He retired in 1989.He always loved the outdoors, especially central Montana, and spent many hours exploring the mountains around Neihart and Monarch. Fishing, camping, and motorcycle riding were among his favorite off time activities. After retirement, George let his inner artist shine. He created art from scraps he found in his garage making birdhouses, building models, and various wooden figures. He could turn a bucket of old bolts into an orchestra of figures playing musical instruments. While he never bragged about his artwork, it was apparent to all that he was very proud of his creations.George never let his years catch up to him. He kept busy with projects, gardening, and general handy man tasks and was an active member of the Optimist, Elks and Moose clubs and a volunteer on his high school class committee. Of special note was his amazing ability to be a loving grandfather to his granddaughters, Georgia, Leigh, Magden and Erica and his neighbor Sara. In many ways, he was the perfect old man and will always be remembered as a caring husband, father, uncle, brother, and friend.George is survived by his wife of 48 years, Violet Erlandson; his sons, Brian Erlandson, Bob Erlandson, and Jim Gipe (and their families); as well as his sister Doris Prater.Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Schnider Funeral Home, 1510 13th St. S. A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 11. 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Highland Cemetery, 2010 33rd Ave S. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.