Obituary: Lois Erickson

Lois Erickson

New Rockford, N.D.

Lois Arlene Erickson, age 90, of New Rockford, N.D., formerly of McHenry, N.D., passed away peacefully on February 24, 2024 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo, N.D.

Her visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford, N.D. Her funeral service will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington. Pastor Amy Kippen will officiate the service. Recorded music played will be "How Great Thou Art" by Alan Jackson, "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran and "Amazing Grace" by Alan Jackson. Honorary Pallbearers were all of Lois' grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lois was born to Wilmer and Ruth (Myers) Vance on Oct. 18, 1933 in Cooperstown, N.D. When she was only weeks old, she and her family moved to McHenry, where she later attended both grade and high school, graduating in 1951. Lois was especially proud of the 1950 girls' basketball team. They had to be flown by plane, three at a time, to the state tournament in Jamestown, because the bad winter storm had blocked roadways.

After high school, Lois attended Interstate Business College in Fargo. Later, she worked for Posi Lock Inc. for several years in McHenry and Cooperstown. Lois and Marlin "Pete" Erickson met while attending high school in McHenry and were married on October 1, 1953. In the 62 years they shared life on the farm, Lois worked hard as a homemaker and farm wife. In October 2015, she and Pete moved to the Heritage House in New Rockford and gained a whole new family of friends who loved to visit, share stories and listen to music. Sadly, Pete passed on Sept. 16, 2023, two weeks shy of what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary.

Lois always had a large vegetable garden, beautiful flower beds and a kitchen full of wonderful aromas from her cooking/baking. Her love of animals was always special in the way she cared for the numerous cats, dogs, pet lambs and other fur babies who called the farm home. Lois loved to watch her kids (and later grandkids) participate in their sports, concerts, etc., and was a faithful member of her church. Her sense of humor, her laugh, her strong work ethic and her love for her family (especially the grandkids and great-grandkids) will be fondly remembered and treasured for years to come by her family and friends.

Lois is survived by her five children: Gary Erickson, Laurie Erickson, Michael (Lisa) Erickson, Christy (Doug) Leier, and Corey (Melissa) Erickson; five grandchildren: Malynda (Travis) Iglehart, Sean (Chelsea) Erickson, Craig (Sarah) Erickson, Taylor (Samantha) Erickson, and Jennifer Erickson; twelve great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her special buddy, Bailey.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin "Pete"; her parents; and her siblings: Helen (Leif) Aalgaard, Russ (Marcie) Vance, Paul Vance, and Twila Combs.

The family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and prayers during this time. It has been greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers any memorials to be sent to CHI Health at Home–Hospice at 367 2nd St. NW, Valley City, N.D. 58072, which will be directed to the hospice services in the Carrington area.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.