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- BIOGRAPHY:
http://www.genealogy.com/users/c/h/r/David-Alan-Christianson/FILE/0004text.txt
ERWIN AND VIOLA KURLE
Erwin and Viola Kurle
Erwin Kurle was born in McIntosh County near Venturia, North Dakota on
December 18, 1916. His parents were Rudolph Kurle (born at Eureka, South
Dakota on May 27, 1894; died May 22, 1971) and Emelia Pfeiffer (born at
Ashley, North Dakota on September 23, 1896; died February 5, 1972). Erwin
was one of six children, and he attended rural school Rosenthal No. 3. He
worked with his parents on the family farm before his marriage to Viola Opp
on December 10, 1939.
Viola Opp was born in Campbell County, seven and one-half miles southwest
of Eureka, South Dakota on July 27, 1920. Her parents were Philip G. Opp
(born at Eureka, South Dakota on September 30, 1892; died October 11, 1940)
and Mary Job (born at Hosmer, South Dakota on January 6, 1898; died March
30, 1985). Viola, too, was one of six children; she attended District No.
44 Hoff School and Eureka High School.
Erwin and Viola made their home on a farm located two and one-half miles
east of Eureka. The Depression of the 1930's made it necessary for them to
start their home on a limited income. However, low grocery prices were in
their favor; fifty cents would buy ten pounds of sugar. Meals were cooked
on a coal and wood-burning stove, and horses were used to do the farmwork.
The graveled road going by their farm was later widened and a black-top was
put on. In 1949, when the REA brought electricity to their farm, the
workload for Erwin and Viola was made lighter. Their way of living improved
greatly.
Their farming operation came to emphasize cattle and grain. Through it all,
Erwin and Viola were good examples of the German work ethic. Days on the
farm were made up of hard work, long hours, and perseverance. The Kurle
family remained proud of its German heritage and loyal to the Eureka
community.
Aside from his farm duties, Erwin served on the McPherson County Zoning
Board and the committee for McPherson County Livestock and Crop
Improvement. He was president of the Rural Fireman's Association, and he
served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Land Bank Association
(Aberdeen) for 25 years. Erwin also was active on the Rosenthal School
Board for many years, and he was a 4-H leader. Viola, in addition to being
a helpmate on the farm, served the Eureka community as a member of the
Hospital Auxiliary.
The church affiliation for the Kurle family is United Methodist, and the
family has taken an active part in serving the Eureka church throughout the
years. Erwin served as church treasurer and chairman of the Administrative
Board, and he was a Sunday School superintendent and a Youth Fellowship
leader. He also was an officer of United Methodist Men, and he sang in the
Men's Chorus and the church choir. Viola served the church as a Coordinator
of Children's Work, a Sunday School and Bible School teacher, and a Youth
Fellowship counselor. Additionally, she served as circle leader for United
Methodist Women and as co-chairperson of the Supportive Community
Committee. Viola was a member of the church choir, too.
Two children were born to Viola and Erwin. Wayne, born September 1, 1945,
was married to Cindy Hendrickson. They reside in Sioux City, Iowa, and
their daughters are: Camille Kurle, Courtney Kurle, and JoLynn Hendrickson.
Lee, born on January 12, 1950, was married to DeQuetta Rohrbach. The family
lives in rural Eureka with their children: Christopher, Leila, and Aleshia.
Erwin Kurle died September 14, 1978. After his death, Viola moved to a home
in Eureka, and the family farm is being operated by the Lee Kurle family.
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1916 - 1978 (61 years)