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Obituaries for September 19, 2007
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Harold W. Erich
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Arthur G. Rempfer
Arthur G. Rempfer, 87, of Galt died Sept. 12, 2007 of natural causes at a local hospital. He was born Nov. 15, 1919 in Judd, N.D., to Gottfred and Mary Rempfer.
Mr. Rempfer has lived in the Galt area for 30 years and worked in construction. He enjoyed building things and tinkering.
Surviving him are his children, Judy Shaklin and Jerald Rempfer of Galt; sisters, Esther Ring and Laura Bowser of Lodi; seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are being handled by Ben Salas Funeral Home.
Harold W. Erich
Harold W. “Curly” Erich died Sept. 8, 2007. He was born Aug. 24, 1924 in San Jose, the fourth of five sons, to Walter and Katie Erich.
He began life in Fresno and, since his father was a farmer, spent time in a few other cities until the family finally settled in Thornton, which became the origination point of Erich Ranches. He attended grammar school in Woodbridge and then New Hope School in Thornton where he graduated from the eighth grade.
He attended Galt High School where he excelled in football and baseball. He was elected and served as student body president his senior year, graduating in 1942.
He married Mary Frances Cowley on Oct. 28, 1944. After losing his brother Milton in World War II, he enlisted in the Army in October 1945. After his discharge from the Army, during which he received a Victory Medal, he returned to Thornton to work in the family business with his father and brothers.
In 1950, Erich Ranches expanded to Elk Grove where he, his wife and first daughter Linda moved to manage the ranch for his father. In 1965, after the ranch was sold, he and his wife and children moved to Galt. He continued to work the remaining Erich Ranches until his father’s death in 1972.
He also worked for Galt Hancock Service Station (now known as Union 76) from 1969 to 1974 where he became known locally for being able to just listen to a car and tell what was wrong with it without using any diagnostic equipment. In the mid-70s, Valley Tow Rite employed him and, by the time he retired in the early 90s, he had progressed to inventory control manager.
Curly was one of a kind when it came to hard work. You could probably count on one hand how many times he called in sick in his 50+ years of work. He also at one time had a seven-year stretch without a day off.
After his retirement, he became an avid fan of Denny’s in Galt, where he became quite well known and liked by everyone, workers and diners alike.
Surviving Curly are his brothers, Roy Erich and wife of Galt, Wally Erich and wife of Thornton; children, Linda Weeks and husband of Lodi, Sherry Erich of Manteca, Rick Erich of Stockton; grandchildren, Michelle Weeks of Elk Grove, Shannon Welch and husband of Lemoore, SPC Gregory Weeks now serving in Iraq; and one great grandson, Cannon Welch. Many nieces and nephews also survive him.
Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, brothers Milton and John, Sr., and nephew John, Jr.
Friends and family are invited to a graveside memorial service on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. in Garden of Remembrance at Cherokee Memorial Park at Highway 99 and Harney Lane in Lodi.
A celebration of Curly’s life will held at Denny’s in Galt immediately following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Curly’s name to Meals on Wheels, 847 F St., West Sacramento, CA 95605; or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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