) Erickson and his grandson Jared Erickson. John Edward Erickson was born on September 22, 1930 in rural Webster County. He was raised on a farm near Thor and Badger where he attended rural schools. John then joined the United States Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War in 1951. He was discharged in 1953 when he returned and farmed until he moved to Council Bluffs in 1973. While living in Council Bluffs, he worked as a meat cutter in Underwood, IA. In 1976, Sonny moved back to Fort Dodge and worked at Iowa Beef. He also worked for Pinkerton Security Service from 1985 - 1993 and continued working there part time until 2010. He was baptized at the Lutheran church in Badger and was a member of the V.F.W. Memorials may be left to The Lutheran Hour or to Lutheran World Relief.