Arlene Erickson
Arlene Erickson, age 88, of Fargo passed away in the presence of her family Monday, March 23, 2015.
She was born and raised in Aurdal Township in Ottertail County, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and graduated from Fergus Falls High School. She met Lloyd Erickson when he moved to Fergus Falls to begin his broadcasting career at KGDE Radio. They married on August 26, 1945 and began their life together in Jamestown, ND.
Arlene’s life was devoted to her husband and family. Lloyd and Arlene were married for 66 years. They shared a love of nature and spent many an afternoon going for a drive with a thermos of coffee and some cookies. They also enjoyed camping and sitting around the fire. Arlene was the hub of the family, and tirelessly cooked and baked for many family gatherings. She especially liked to prepare family dinners with a touch of refinement, using her china, table linens and fresh flowers.
She participated in Volksmarches and volunteered at the Sons of Norway. After the death of her son Michael in 1975, Arlene was instrumental in the startup of a local PFLAG group in Fargo Moorhead. She was actively involved at First Lutheran Church of Fargo as long as she was able. She still participated in the Ruth Circle.
Arlene is survived by her five children, eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Chuck (Betty Jo) Devils Lake; Stacy Ladabouche (Gary) Rutland, VT; Brian Erickson (Erika) Lakeland, TN; Kevin (Erica) Denver, CO.
Mary Tron (Philip) Moorhead; Sarah Tron Fargo; EmilyTron Minneapolis.
David (Jane) Fargo; Zachary (Taryn) Duluth; Leah Paulson (Zachary) Moorhead; Hannah Erickson, Fargo.
Paula Olmstead (Brian) Moorhead; John Olmstead Moorhead; Paige Olmstead Minneapolis.
Nancy Mykleseth (Jerry) and Olivia Moorhead.
She was precede in death by her husband in 2009, son Michael and infant daughter, her parents Emma and Alfred Bredeson, her siblings Orville, Eldore, Gladys, and Lillian.
Visitation will be from 5-7pm, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00pm on Friday, March 27 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 at First Lutheran Church in Fargo. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Things I will remember about you/remind me about you: the smell of coffee and burned toast in the morning, the sound of MPR coming from the kitchen, the smell of bleach, the smell of roses, fresh bread, watching Wheel of Fortune with you, long talks about treating other humans with respect and honor, baking Christmas cookies with you, being proud to be a Norwegian, saying ‘drive safety and be good’ to me in Norwegian all the time, bingo, amarylis flowers, the phrase ‘real good,’ and being a great grandma just to name a few. Say hi to Papa and everyone else for me. Love and miss you already, -E
Paula and family – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. As Paula observed recently – Stability and strength are not always viewed as interesting, but they make the fabric of life beautiful and comfortable. Your mom provided the foundation to the success of those around her. An amazing lady and a long, loving and honorable life – who can ask for more? I hope you are awash in the memories of many years of the joy you shared.
Connie
I’m the girl who threw up on your stairs; who yelled down, “Arlene, come and wipe my butt”; and who gave you many a worry as I struggled through health troubles as a child. Every Christmas I looked forward to those cookies. In summer, Nancy and I made mud pies – I remember sleepovers, Cass Lake, the smell of burning leaves in your yard, and picking apples off the tree.
Through it all, Arlene, yes you were a strong loving woman who will forever be in my heart and head. Thank you for all the love you and Lloyd gave me and my family through the years. Even as a child, I witnessed the deep passion you and Lloyd shared and it inspired me. Laughter, tears, memories so precious. I hope I wasn’t too much trouble. I love you.
Arlene and Lloyd were members of the Hallinglag of America and that is how I came to be acquainted. They were full of wonder people. Sorry for your family’s loss and may peace descend.
I only know your mother, Mrs. Erickson, through reading her obituary. She clearly is the testimony of a strong, loving woman. You can be very proud.
Karen Seitz
Arlene Erickson’s family – our sincere condolences on the death of your mother.
Mary – Sue, Arliss, Bette and I have wondered where you live. Surprised to find out you are in Moorhead. Would love to connect with you. Send an email when you have time.
Yvonne