EarlaMae Erickson was born in Litchfield, Minnesota on March 10, 1924 to William and Clara (Nelson) Benson. She grew up on the farm between Kingston and Happy Corner. Attended school first in Kingston and graduated from Cokato High School in 1941. She attended Sunday school at the Swedish Mission Church of French Lake and was confirmed there on October 11, 1936.
On March 28, 1942 EarlaMae married Vernon Erickson at the Grace Lutheran Church of French Lake. They lived on the Erickson home place and shared 61 years of marriage. God blessed them with 4 children. As a young wife and mother Earla Mae received the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior. Vernon passed away in 2003. They were members of Grace Lutheran Church where EarlaMae taught Sunday school, and Vacation Bible School, was an active member in Ladies Aid, Bible study and Bible School. Bible camp was very important to her. They also belonged to Our Saviors Lutheran Church of French Lake, and were charter members of Good Shepard Free Lutheran Church. They also belonged to the Hauge Federation.
As a young girl EarlaMae worked at the Annandale Bakery, then the Sweet Shop of Cokato, Fitzgerald’s, Northland Canning, Richwell Furniture, and finally the Annandale Dairy Queen. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and embroidery, writing and entertaining. Her family was the most important to her.
EarlaMae moved to Eventide Lutheran Home of Moorhead in 2005. She passed away there on January 11, 2014. She had reached the age of 89 years, 10 months and 1 day.
Survivors include children: James of Annandale, Joan of Moorhead, Michael (Bev) of Annandale and Marlys (Daniel) Lund of Moorhead. 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. Sister Audrey Inselman of South Haven. Many nieces and nephews other relatives and friends.
EarlaMae was preceded in death by; her husband Vernon, her parents, sisters Opel Hamel, Ilene Anderson, and Pauline Norberg. Son-in-law Sophus Mathison, daughter-in-law Alice Erickson
Funeral Service: 11 AM Wednesday, January 15 at the Good Shepard Free Lutheran Church of Cokato
Visitation: 4-8 PM Tuesday, at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Cokato
Prayer service 7PM Tuesday
Interment Church Cemetery