Avory Ross Erickson

Avory Ross Erickson, age 28, of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Visitation will begin at noon with the service to celebrate Avory's life at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Jonathan Dodson officiating. Burial will be at Presbyterian Cemetery in Brooks, MN.

** The family encourages everyone in attendance to wear camouflage for his celebration in honor of Avory.

Avory was born August 24, 1997 in Thief River Falls, MN the beloved son of Dwight Erickson and Amy (Arlt) Erickson. He was baptized at Northwest Medical Center at the time of his birth. He had a reaffirmation of baptism at Immanuel Lutheran Church and was later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN. He was raised in a household of faith. Avory continued to grow spiritually throughout his life especially in his later years with the help and guidance of Pastor Jonathan Dodson. He wasn't afraid of death; he knew where he was going and who was waiting for him including his dog Sir Trooper Braveheart.

He attended Challenger Elementary, Franklin Middle School and Lincoln High School all in Thief River Falls. With the love, guidance and care of the faculty he successfully graduated with the class of 2016.

Diagnosed at birth with Spina Bifida, Avory faced numerous medical challenges throughout his life. He endured 17 surgeries, multiple life flights and was confined to a wheelchair. There were times when the Ronald McDonald House became his family's second home. Wanting to give back, this encouraged Avory to save pop tabs to support others in need at the Ronald McDonald House. He received his first wheelchair at the age of 3, but from that moment on he never slowed down. With remarkable strength, adaptability and determination to keep pushing through showing everyone he was not disabled; Avory considered himself differently abled while encouraging others to feel the same.

Avory longed to live independently and was given the opportunity. Eventually, due to his fragile health issues he moved into Hillcrest Senior Living in Red Lake Falls, MN. At first it wasn't easy for him to accept being in assisted living, until he found his purpose and his "why" and it was the best thing for him. A Hillcrest volunteer said, "Avory was the heart and soul of Hillcrest. He greeted visitors and cared so much for every resident, they were all like family to him." In his heart, he was a hospice volunteer. He provided care and compassion to each of the residents, but especially to those on their final journey. His gentle presence and heartfelt dedication brought comfort and dignity to many; his tender devotion will be remembered by the families of the loved ones he emotionally supported in their final hours. Avory has been referred to many times in his life as the thirteenth disciple.

Avory had a passion for gaming, the Chicago Bears and sneaking a little "chew and Dew" when family wasn't looking. He longed for hunting with his grandpa and cousins; he enjoyed time at the shooting range, playing frisbee golf at Lion's Park and loved wearing anything camouflage! In school he was a member of the special Olympics and the trap team and enjoyed swimming, bowling, track, and played violin. During his stay at Hillcrest, he enjoyed table games and even took up a passion for painting taking home a ribbon from the Fertile fair. With his Uncle Ross and grandma, he took great pride in attending and participating in the dramatic Christmas musicals at Open Arms Christian Fellowship especially portraying young Jesus as a child.

Above all Avory loved his family, especially his sisters, but his mother was his lifeline. What a blessing it was to have Facetime to keep him connected daily to everyone who loved and supported him!

Avory's life was filled with many challenges, but he faced them with courage and wit. Even with the struggles he faced, he inspired others to never give up. He never felt sorry for himself. From a small child he said, "When God gives you a wheelchair, you just have to roll with it."

Avory is survived by his mother Amy (Arlt) Erickson (Shantea); father Dwight Erickson; siblings Tasha Johnson, Amber Sorenson, Addison Erickson, Aria Grace Joseph; great grandmother Wilma Arlt; grandparents Lowell and Cindy Arlt; uncle/godfather Ross Arlt (Lindsey); niece Aleigha Johnson; uncles Tony, Kevin and Erick Erickson; aunt Lisa Bucksbee; and many great aunts, great uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by great grandparents Arnold Arlt, Walter and Willie Katschke, Norman and Helen Nelson, Elmer and Gwen Erickson; grandparents Duane and Kathleen Erickson; uncles Mike Tuura, Tyler Erickson, John Bucksbee; and his cousin Danielle Arlt.