Harold C. Erickson

Harold C. Erickson, 91, of West Fargo, formerly of Fergus Falls, died Friday, October 11, 2013, at Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo, North Dakota.

Harold was born on September 3, 1922, on his grandparents’ farm near Herman, Minnesota, the son of Oscar F. and Edna M. (Johnson) Erickson. He attended grade school in Dilworth and graduated from high school in 1939 at Moorhead. After high school, Eric attended Moorhead State Teachers College, graduating in 1943. He also graduated from the United States Navy Midshipman School, Columbia University, New York City in 1943. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the Pacific Theater for thirty months of sea duty. He was discharged in April of 1946.

On September 18, 1945, he married Shirley Peterson in Wheaton, MN. After his discharge from the service, Eric was employed for one year as a Teacher at Breckenridge High School. He then was employed in personnel work for six years by the state of Minnesota and for thirty-two years at Otter Tail Power Company where he served as the Personnel Director for 22 years until his retirement in 1985.

After their retirement, the couple enjoyed travel in the United States, Canada and the Scandinavian countries with their most memorable trip being around-the-world visiting ten countries. They also spent several winters in their home in Sun City West, Arizona, but above everything else they treasured the most was the many special times they were able to spend with family.

Eric participated in sports in high school and college and continued to have a high interest in the Twins, Vikings and the University of Minnesota sports, plus a few golf outings in Arizona and Fergus Falls. He and Shirley joined the Federated Church in Fergus Falls, in1949, where he served as an Elder and on various committees. Other organizations included Pebble Lake Golf Club; Elks; American Legion; life member of the V.F.W.; Jaycees, where he served as State Vice-President; Chamber of Commerce; Boy Scouts; Kiwanis; Toastmasters, Masonic Lodge; and on the Board of Directors at Lake Region Halfway House for 30 years. He also served on the School District No. 544 Board for 12 years; and was a Board Member at Lake Region Hospital for 13 years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife of 61 years, Shirley, in 2007, and his sister, Phyllis Erickson.

Survivors include his two children, Barbara Erickson of Santa Clara, California; Dr. Jay (Bonnie) Erickson of Moorhead; three grandsons, Matthew Gloier of Santa Clara, California, Nathan (Tracy) Gloier of Dallas, Texas, and Peter Erickson of Moorhead; granddaughter, Dana Erickson of St. Paul; two great-granddaughters, Cameron and Morgan, and a great-grandson Hayden all of Frisco TX; and his twin brother, Howard M. Erickson of Fertile, MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Federated Church Endowment Fund, or the Fergus Falls 544 Education Fund.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church
Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, October 19, 2013 at The Federated Church in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Doug Dent and Reverend Dr. C. Edward Morgan
Military Participation: Fergus Falls V.F.W. Post 612 and American Legion #30
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.