Alma Erck, 74 , Minot, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, in a California Nursing Home.

Alma was born March 22, 1935, in Andrews Township of McLean County, near Benedict, North Dakota to Christ and Karolina (Stelter) Kohler.

She was raised on the farm located South of Benedict and received her formal education in a rural school setting.

Alma was once married to Donald Erck. They moved to Minot in the early 1950's and started Erck Well Drilling, Inc. They owned and operated the business until 1977 when their son, Keith took over the operation of the business.

Alma continued to live in Minot, following her years of retirement. Alma enjoyed reading, gardening, and visiting with friends and family.

Surviving family includes: Children: Gaylen (Vickie) Erck and Keith (Laura) Erck, both of Minot, Glenda (Paul) Haider, Arizona and Don Erck, Lake Forest, CA; Grandchildren: Jocylene Boes, Leslie Knutson, Jeffrey Erck, Nichole Kempf, Michelle Haider, Melissa Haider and Brandon Erck; Sisters: Jeanie (John) Bush, Tallahassee, FL and Ella (Ervin) Weishaar, Wahpeton, ND; Brothers: Otto (Anna) Kohler, Max, ND and Ernest (Hilda) Kohler Benedict, ND; Sister-in-law: Martha Kohler, Jacksonville, FL and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, William, Gust, Oscar, and Hank Kohler.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation: Monday, July 13, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND;