Joyce I Erickson

1935 - 2021

Joyce Irene (Mustonen) Erickson, age 85, passed peacefully from complications of Alzheimer’s under hospice care at Arbor Lakes Senior Living, Maple Grove, on April 19, 2021. Joyce was born July 3, 1935 in Brainerd, spent her early years in South Long Lake, and graduated from Brainerd High School in 1952.

She married her high school sweetheart, John Erickson, on December 26, 1954. Together they made homes in California, Massachusetts, Minneapolis, New Hope, and Plymouth. While raising their children, Joyce taught Sunday school, served as a Camp Fire Girl and Cub Scout leader, and earned her bachelor’s degree from the U of MN. She was a longtime CFO of the Greater Minneapolis Girl Scout Council, AAUW member, and a 45-year member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Survived by husband of 66 years, John Erickson; children Tom (Diane) Erickson and Jane (Steve) Pittman; grandchildren Lauren (Christian), Hannah (Reid), Chris (Brooke), Merritt, and Rachel; great-grandchildren Nora and Fredrik; siblings Richard (Cathy) Mustonen, Marilyn (Jerry) Coleman, and Dean (Alta) Mustonen; nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Rudolph and Irma Mustonen, brother and sister-in-law Roger (Nancy) Mustonen.

A private service in celebration of her life was held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Plymouth. Memorials to the church. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.