John Waldal, my brother-in-law, was an energetic and friendly 76-year-old when, in October of 2020, he and my sister Ruth became ill with Covid and were quickly admitted to their local ICU. John spent weeks on a ventilator followed by more weeks of rehab but fought valiantly. Eventually, he returned home, and he and Ruth lovingly cared for each other until January 2022 when the damage to his lungs led to his death. John loved Ruth, fishing, playing games and sharing time with family–especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always greeted me by calling me Sis and giving me a big hug. I miss the only “brother” I ever had.
–Lea Ella Erickson
