La Monte Erb

I’ve “rescued” an old photograph of La Monte ERB which was taken at his Ice Cream Shop in Lake Preston, SD on 9 Aug 1942. Along with the photograph are newspaper clippings regarding the opening of his shop and the announcement of the shop which appeared in the local paper. La Monte appears to be in his teens at the time the photograph was taken. Based on limited research I know the following about this young man and his family:

La Monte L. ERB was the son of Irma Marie MATHEIS (b. 23 Feb 1903 – d. 9 Jul 1969) and Millard Lester ERB (b. 12 Nov 1897-d. 20 Aug 1979). Both parents are buried in the Dell Rapids Cemetery in SD. It appears that La Monte may have been their only child.

Census records provide the following details:

1930 census of Lake Preston, SD:

Lester M. ERB, age 32, married at age 26, born IA, parents born PA/IA, an Oil Station Manager
Irma R. M. ERB, wife, age 27, married at age 20, born IA, parents born IL/IA
La Monte ERB, son, age 5, born SD

1940 census of Lake Preston, SD:

Millard L. ERB, age 41, born IA, a WPA Timekeeper
Irma ERB, wife, age 36, born IA
La Monte ERB, son, age 15, born Brookings Co. SD

I’m hoping to locate someone from this family so that the photograph and newspaper articles can be returned to the care of family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley