Centenarian

Wilma Irene Lantz Erickson

Sandpoint

Wilma Irene Lantz Erickson celebrated her 100th birthday Sept. 7, surrounded by friends at the First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint. She was born Sept. 6, 1913, in Independence, Kan. She has been a resident of North Idaho for more than 90 years and currently makes Sandpoint her home, in the house that she built with her husband in 1956.

Erickson met her spouse, Severt Erickson, when the two were in grade school. The couple were destined and were married in 1945. After 36 years together, Severt passed away in 1981.

She said her most rewarding life achievement was being an elementary teacher in Sandpoint and having her family. She attributes eating healthy to living a long and healthy life. Erickson said she sticks to the four basic food groups, eats lots of fruits and vegetables, and doesn’t own a microwave. She keeps her mind healthy by reading and doing a crossword puzzle every day.

When it comes to a most memorable moment in her 100 years, Erickson said she has seen so much in her life that she couldn’t pick just one.

She has a son, Edward Erickson, of Palmer, Ala., four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.