Modern Woodmen of America v. Gerdom

The opinion of the court was delivered by

Burch, J.:

Joseph Gerdom and Anna Gerdom sued the defendant, a fraternal society, upon a beneficiary certificate issued on August 26, 1890, to John B. Gerdom, one of its members, and containing the following recital:

“Neighbor John B. Gerdom ... is, while in good standing in this fraternity, entitled to participate in its benefit fund to an amount not to exceed $2000, which shall be paid at his death to his father and mother, Joseph and Anna Gerdom, equally.”

The petition, which was filed on March 16, 1904, alleged, among other things, that on August 15,…