Gayle M. Erickson

Gayle M. Erickson, age 77, of Fergus Falls, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2015, at Park Gardens in Fergus Falls.

Gayle Mae was born in Fergus Falls, on October 22, 1937, to Ralph and Vera Rudsenske. When Gayle was four, her mother died of cancer, and shortly after that, she was raised by her maternal grandparents along with her three siblings. She lived her childhood on a farm just outside of Fergus Falls and she graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1955.

A year later, on February 26, 1956, she married Arne Erickson in Fergus Falls and they had four sons; Marc, Wade and twins, Dean and Bruce, who passed away as infants. Gayle and Arne raised their children and spent most of their life in Fergus Falls.

Gayle’s most lengthy employment was through the Fergus Falls School District for over two decades, as a paraprofessional. Gayle was affectionately known as the “study hall lady” and was beloved by so many students for her humor, compassion, wit and her caring ear. She looked forward to each day at the school and truly loved her interactions with the students. It was very common for Gayle in her retirement to have frequent visits from prior students in the adult life who wanted to see her again and fill her in on their accomplishments.

Gayle was a loving free spirit that invested heavily in her friends and family and cared deeply for them all. It was very common for Gayle and Arne to have several visiting friends at their coffee table throughout the week for lively conversation and snacks. Their home was a revolving door of good friends and happy times. She was a very unselfish person that went the extra mile to comfort others in need. Her attitude toward life was continuously upbeat and infectious, which awarded her a terrific network of friends and neighbors.

Regrettably, Gayle was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few short years ago. Throughout her fight with this disease, she kept her beautiful personality until the end and refused with great determination, to let the disease change her or define her end. Gayle was a wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and beloved friend to many. Gayle’s presence will be deeply missed by her family and loved ones.

In honor of Gayle’s prior request, a private family service will be held. The family would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all the friends, loved ones, and the caring staff at Park Gardens that have invested their time and kindness toward Gayle.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Vera; her husband, Arne in 2012; and two infant sons, Dean and Bruce.

Gayle is survived by her two sons, Marc (Bonnie) Erickson of Endeavor, WI and Wade (Kristi) Erickson of Fergus Falls; three grandchildren, McKenzie, Logan and Liv Erickson; two step-grandchildren, Tyson and Luke Stengrim; her sister, Pat Stouten of Fergus Falls; a sister-in-law, Margo (Roger) Schuetzle of Fergus Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arrangements made by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls