Thomas Erickson

Thomas “Tom” Joel Erickson, 62, a resident of Underwood, died Sunday, May 17, 2009 at Meritcare Hospital in Fargo. He was born April 20, 1947, in Pine River, Minnesota the son of Alvin and Evelyn (Tobin) Erickson. After high school he went to Welding School in Willmar. He joined the National Guard in 1966 and served until 1975. After his father died, Tom came home to take over his dad’s shop, Al’s Shoe Box, and has operated it since. He became known as the “Pur Cobbler”. Tom loved to work on cars and fix up houses. He also loved outdoor sports, snowmobiling, fishing, boating, and cycling.  Preceding him in death were his father, Alvin Erickson, and his sister, Arleen Fenske. Survivors include his mother, Evelyn (Carl) Gonderman of Fergus Falls; his siblings: Marcy (George) Wendling of Leonard, ND, Alvin “Tubby” Erickson of Bothel, WA, Mary (Jerry) Johnson of Fergus Falls, and Jackie (Dwight) Nelson of Monroe, WA; his children: Jackie (Randy) Drechsel of Fergus Falls, and Peggy (Jim) Havnes of Menahga; three grandchildren: Wes (Tiffany) Drechsel of Barnesville and Cody and Kyle Kenyon of Menahga; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home Service:  10 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Clergy:    Reverend Kate Bruns Interment:    Immanuel Cemetery in Twin Valley, MN Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com