Smila Beverly Erickson

Smila Erickson, age 88, Cloquet, died peacefully Friday, March 13, 2026 at Evergreen Knoll Senior Living. She was born on December 8, 1937, in Waseca, MN, to Maynard and Hilda (Attenberger) Bleck. On October 26, 1957 she married Clarence Erickson and together they built a life and family over 61 years of marriage.

Smila was active in her community as a member of the Finlandia Beach Club, the Genealogy Club, and the VFW Auxiliary. She generously volunteered at the local nursing home and was always willing to help others. In her younger years, she chose to dedicate herself to raising her family at home, a role she treasured deeply. She especially enjoyed watching the sporting events of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Later, she worked at the Cloquet Public Library, where her love of books was a natural fit. She enjoyed reading, counted cross-stitch, and jigsaw puzzles, and had a special passion for researching her family's genealogy. She also loved to travel, especially enjoying mystery bus trips.

Smila is survived by her daughter Becky (Jay) Tremblay; daughter-in-law Lisa Erickson; foster son Vernon (Jennifer) Erickson; grandchildren Angela (John) Irvine, Melissa (George) Lahr, Nathan Erickson, Corey Erickson, Matthew Erickson; great-grandchildren Madeline (Wyatt White), Alice and Boyd Irvine, Isabelle and William Lahr, Eliana and August Erickson, Owen and Chase Erickson; nieces, nephews and cousins and numerous friends.

Smila is preceded in death by her parents Maynard and Hilda Bleck; husband Clarence Erickson; sons Mike and Mark Erickson; sister Betty Kolenda; and niece Shandra Kolenda.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Evergreen Knoll Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 21, at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet, MN. Please feel free to dress casually, including T-shirts, favorite sports team apparel, or jeans. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, at a later date. Arrangements by Atkins-Northland Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Cloquet, MN.