Milton Erickson

Milton Lester Erickson, 97, a resident of rural Dalton, died Friday, June 18, 2010, at his home. He was born December 20, 1912, on the home farm near Dalton, the son of Oscar and Anna (Paulson) Erickson. He attended Parkdale School and the Ag School in St. Paul. Milton took over the family farm in 1929 following his father’s illness. On June 6, 1943, he married Ruth Gjerde at Sarpsborg Lutheran Church in Dalton.  He was a member of Zion-Sarpsborg Lutheran Church, running the Sarpsborg Cemetery for decades. He served on the township board and as township clerk for years. He also enjoyed membership with the Otter Tail County Historical Society, the Lake Region Pioneer Thresherman’s Association in Dalton, the Fergus Camera Club, and the Dalton Senior Club, serving as their treasurer. Milton loved to read and was a huge history fan. He was an avid skier and a member of the Dalton Ski Club. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Ruth, his brother, Walter, and his sister, Lillian Rude. Survivors include four children: Gerald (Mary Jane) Erickson of Dalton, Robert (Rose) Erickson of Bloomington, Linda (Stan) Reed of Walcott, Iowa, and Richard (Carol) Erickson of West Fargo; six grandchildren: Jeremy (Marsha) Erickson of Dalton, Matt (AnnDee) Erickson of Wahpeton, Melissa Erickson of West Fargo, Lori Erickson of Edina, Kevin Reed of Walcott, IA, and Brent Erickson of Bloomington; six great-grandchildren: Brooke, David, Anna, Thomas, Adrianna and Katlyn; two sisters: Ruth Dahlager and LaVerne (Art) Peterson all of Fergus Falls; a brother, Orwell Erickson of Golden Valley; long time friend, Ella Sonmor of Dalton; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service:  1 p.m. Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at Zion Sarpsborg Lutheran Church in Dalton Clergy:  Reverend Mark Johnson Interment:  Sarpsborg Cemetery, rural Dalton Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls