Gary Eugene Erickson

Gary Eugene Erickson, 73, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, from natural causes. Born on June 28, 1952, in Minneapolis to Eugene Gates Erickson and Hazel Marie Paurus, Gary lived a life marked by humility, humor, and hard work.

A graduate of Columbia Heights High School, Class of 1970, Gary went on to serve his country proudly in the U.S. Army from August 1972 to February 1974, spending most of his service time in Germany. Upon returning home, Gary built a career defined by dedication and grit, working in manufacturing for Munsingwear and later in water tower drilling. Known as someone who worked hard and played just as hard, Gary valued the friendships he built along the way - many of which became lifelong bonds he treasured as if they were family.

In 1977, Gary married Diane Jean Daudt, and together they welcomed their daughter, Jennifer Jo (Erickson) Crowley, in 1980. His pride and joy multiplied with the birth of his grandson, William Vernon Crowley, in 2008. Family meant everything to Gary, and though he didn't always speak his feelings, those close to him knew the depth of his love.

Gary was a man of simple pleasures and big passions - a fan of NASCAR, football, classic and model cars, motorcycles, hunting, fishing, dogs, cowboy movies, and storytelling. He had an effortless sense of humor and a warm, unassuming heart that drew people to him.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Crowley; grandson, William Vernon Crowley; brother, Randy Erickson, and nephew and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Hazel Erickson.

A visitation will be held Thursday, December 18, at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel in Northeast Minneapolis at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1 pm.