Eric M. Erickson

Eric Milton Erickson, 75, passed away peacefully at his home on October 12, 2025.
He was born on April 20, 1950 in Estherville, Iowa, to Everett and Katherine (Gripentrog) Erickson, and raised on a farm near Armstrong, Iowa, along with his four sisters.
After graduating from Armstrong High School in 1968, he attended Iowa Lakes Community College and Mankato State College before transferring into the mortuary science program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
He spent his entire working life in Minneapolis, Minnesota, pursuing a career he was called to at a very early age. He was employed by O.E. Larson, Werness Brothers, and Washburn McReavy funeral homes. He was well known and highly respected for his skills in restorative art, receiving high praise from colleagues, clients, and the mortuary students that he mentored.
At his core, Eric was an artist who appreciated aesthetics in its many forms. This was reflected in his exquisite penmanship, impeccable taste, and enjoyment of nature's beauty, especially flowers and sunsets.
A talented musician, he played the piano and organ entirely by ear starting at age six. He served for a time as organist at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Armstrong and was frequently asked to play at weddings and funerals. While specializing in hymns, he enjoyed many musical genres from classical to soul.
Due to his creative mind, unconventional interests, and a propensity for playing tricks, growing up with Eric was a daily adventure. He was a loving brother who in later years was the glue that kept the family connected. He was always there to provide support with words of comfort and wisdom, and with a wonderful sense of humor that always kept us laughing.
After retirement, he returned to the family farm where he lived out the rest of his life surrounded by wonderful memories of his youth and where he had the opportunity to reconnect with friends and spend precious time with his family.
In spite of multiple health issues in recent years, he chose to live life with gratitude for the family he had been born into, the special friendships he had shared, and the opportunity to work in a profession he loved.
He is survived by his sisters Kathleen Timmons, Ames, IA; Margaret Guinn (William), Columbia, SC; Barbara Sheldon, The Villages, FL; and Rebecca Sarff (Daniel), Mankato, MN; nephews James, Erik, and Christopher Timmons; Zachary (Kellie) Guinn; Aaron (Tyana) and Nathan Sheldon; Adam (Stephanie), Brian (Tricia), and David (April) Sarff; and nieces Katherine (Evan) Clements, Leigha (Daniel) Davis, and Erica (Andy) Mason.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law Michael Sheldon and John Timmons.
At his request, there will be no services. A graveside ceremony and inurnment will be held at a later date at Swea Township Cemetery near Swea City, Iowa.
Cards may be sent to the family in care of Lakeview Funeral Home, 205 Albion Ave., Fairmont, MN, 56031. Memorials will go to the purchase of trees to be planted at his beloved family farm or may be given to a charity of choice.