Edwin E. Erickson, age 89, of Cokato, MN passed away on Wednesday,April 18, 2012 at Brookridge Place in Cokato. Edwin was born January 8, 1923 in French Lake to John and Emma Erickson. Tragically, Edwin’s mother died a few days after his birth leaving John with 10 children to now parent alone. Given the dire circumstances for the Erickson family, Edwin was lovingly placed in the home of an uncle and aunt, John and Hazel Larson of French Lake. John and Hazel raised Edwin as an only child in their home and loved him without any reservation. During Edwin’s childhood, he also spent many days interacting with his 9 older siblings and his father. Edwin attended the Lee School in French Lake completing grade 8. Edwin married Della Kotila on March 7, 1942. To this union, 6 children were born, Carolynn, Gary, Tim, Mary, Therese and Mark. During their married life, Edwin and Della enjoyed living in the French Lake and Cokato communities.
Edwin enjoyed life! He especially enjoyed working with his hands. Edwin’s first career was farming. In the 1950’s Edwin also learned the trade of carpentry and went on to be a well known contractor/homebuilder, an owner of a lumber business and finally a building inspector in the community. Edwin maintained active work until age 80. During retirement, Edwin enjoyed helping on the farm, cutting wood, reading, gardening and visiting with old friends and family.
Edwin was passionate about his Christian faith. He was an area lay preacher and Bible teacherfor several decades. Edwin was active as both a member and lay pastor at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in French Lake for many years. In this congregation, he experienced both the joy of serving and the joy of receiving Christian love and encouragement from his faith community. Edwin felt blessed whenever he could encourage others to grow in their Christian faith or come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, John & Emma Erickson; uncle & aunt, John & Hazel Larson; wife, Della Kotila Erickson; infant son, Gary; infant great grandson, Garrett Menke; brothers: Clarence, Lawrence, Melvin, Bill, Vernon and Daniel Erickson; sisters: Dora Engstrom, Ellen Ortquist and Ruth Ostlund.
Edwin is survived by children: Carolynn Thompson of Cokato, Tim Erickson of Sauk Centre, Mary Rinden (Dan) of Pine City, Therese Grumley (Jeff) of Rockford, IL, Mark Erickson (Mary) of Cokato; 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Good Shepherd Free Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN with Jerry Seehusen officiating. Music was provided by Therese Grumley and Lynda Korhonen. Casketbearers were: Ben Moore, Tom Moore, Tim Rinden, Alex Erickson, Lars Erickson, Robert Kipf and Calvin Kipf. Burial was at the Grace Lutheran Cemetery in French Lake.