Harold Erickson, 61
The Rev. Harold “Eric” Erickson, 61, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2009 at Rochester Methodist Hospital after living with brain cancer for almost 22 months.
The Rev. Harold “Eric” Erickson, 61, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2009 at Rochester Methodist Hospital after living with brain cancer for almost 22 months.
Eric was born December 15, 1947 in Minneapolis to Gertrude Margaret (Hovland) and Alexander Louis Erickson. His father died when Eric was 5 years old and his mother raised her three sons in their home on Ridgewood Avenue in Minneapolis.
After graduating from West High School in Minneapolis, Eric attended California Lutheran Bible School in Los Angeles, receiving a diploma in 1967. He then enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; studying humanities in the honors program.
Eric and his brother, Wayne, began a house painting business (Painting by Bruzeric) in the Twin Cities, which continued through 1976. He met Karen Sue Doble of St. Paul at the Campus Church Sunday picnics and they were married on May 27, 1972 in St. Paul.
After completing the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in 1974, Eric began studies at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Eric and Karen spent his internship year (1976-77) in Puyallup, Washington, sharing duties between Peace Lutheran Church and Good Samaritan Hospital there.
Eric’s first parish after graduation in 1978 was Redeemer Lutheran Church of Good Thunder, near Mankato, and his daughter, Alyssa, was born in Mankato in 1979. In 1981 the family moved to Ashby, where Eric served a two-point parish: Pelican Lake and Erdahl Lutheran churches. His son, Micah, was born in Fergus Falls in 1984.
In 1991 Eric was called to be the associate pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church of Alexandria. He served at Calvary for 17 years and celebrated his 30th anniversary of ordination there in September of 2008.
As a pastor, Eric’s passion was always for the youth and for teaching. He led many Bible studies, mission trips and other activities. He shared his love of music by leading singing with guitar and singing with the choir.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children, Alyssa Joy Owusu-Acheampong Erickson (Kwame) and Micah Joel Erickson; two brothers, Gordon Erickson (Gayle) and Wayne Erickson (Viki); three sisters-in-law, Kathleen Connors (Michael), Karla Achartz (John), and Kristi Murphy (Kevin); one brother-in-law, Keith Doble; many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on April 8 at Calvary Lutheran Church. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria.
Memorials are preferred to Calvary Lutheran Church (Pastor Eric Erickson Youth Fund or Music Fund) or Luther Seminary in St. Paul.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
A00009B2009AR15
Tags: obituaries, harold, erickson
Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.
RSS Feeds