David E. Erlandson

David Elias Erlandson, 89, of West Des Moines went peacefully into the presence of Jesus on August 31, 2013 at Fountain West Health Care Center. A celebration of his life will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial with military honors will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

David was born in La Porte City, IA on October 2, 1923 to David and Julia Erlandson. He graduated from North High School in Des Moines, followed by three years of service in the Army during WWII. On June 29, 1942 he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Helen Lockard. They shared 68 years of marriage before she died. After returning from military service, David attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL and graduated in June, 1949. He also attended Northern Baptist Seminary for one year. He served two Pastorates, one in Winfield, IA and one in Chatsworth, IL before returning to Des Moines. He then worked 27 years for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier before retiring in 1981. David also owned and operated D & H Vending Company. After selling his business, he worked in the electronic department at Walmart in Ankeny. He and Helen retired to Harlingen, TX in 1998 where they lived for the next ten years before returning to Des Moines.

David was a loving father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his daughter, Carol (Larry) Roach; grandchildren, Julie Anne (Jeremy) Gyorke, R. David (Karen) Anderson, and Amy Joy (Andy) Peterson; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Gospel for Asia, 1800 Golden Trail Court, Carrollton, TX 75010. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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