Erkonen, Beth

On Aug. 23, 2013, Beth Erkonen's soul left this earth. She died after a brief, sudden battle with lymphoma. Consistent with her generous character, she donated her body to the Anatomy Department at the University of Iowa.

She was born in Sterling, Ill., on May 21, 1934, to Isaac and Ella Mae (Renkes) Vandermyde. She graduated from Morrison High School in 1952. In 1956, she graduated from the University of Iowa College of Nursing with an RN, BS. While a nursing student, she met her husband, Bill. They were married on Sept. 7, 1957. Her long career in nursing included many years as a visiting nurse in Streator, Ill. For her devoted care of others, she was awarded a Distinguished Citizen of the Year award. She was a longtime volunteer at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, accruing over 5,000 service hours. She was a member of Chapter KQ of PEO. She was a lifelong Cubs fan.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. William Erkonen; her children and their spouses, Joan (Mukwonago, Wis.), Sue (San Mateo, Calif.), Jane (Columbia, S.C.), Sam (Plainfield, Ill.) and Gwen (Coralville), her brother, Dick (Morrison, Ill.); and 13 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by parents, Isaac and Ella Mae; brother, Don; and granddaughter, Eve.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Brown Deer Club House in Coralville from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1. The sharing of memories will begin at 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the College of Nursing at the University of Iowa, the Salvation Army or the Volunteer Department at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

As those who knew her can attest, Beth lived a full and charitable life. She will be missed.

Published in The Gazette Aug. 27, 2013.