Violet Fern Erickson

Violet Fern (Yager-Kulinski) Erickson, age 86 of Maple Lake, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

She was born on February 20, 1939, in Victor Township, Wright County, Minnesota, to Walter and Fern (Wolfsteller) Yager. Violet grew up on the family farm in Waverly and attended country school. Violet married her first love, Leo John Kulinski, Jr., on June 18, 1960. They farmed in Waverly until Leo's death in 1990. Violet then met and married Victor Lyle Erickson of Maple Lake, Minnesota and they were married on June 8, 1996 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Waverly, MN. They were married until Victor's death in August of 2011.

Violet held several jobs in her earlier years, including working at a bakery and a green house. Her last employment was custodial work at the Annadale High School. She enjoyed it so much that she continued working until she was 75. It was with the school district that she met many friends, who she remained in contact with her.

She loved to cook, often trying new recipes she clipped from the newspaper or found in her many cookbooks. In quieter moments, Violet enjoyed working on word search puzzles and reading cooking magazines, with a friendly cat by her side. She loved to garden and there was never a lack of flowers at the farm whether purchased or grown.

She loved to feed the birds and in her last year of life, she found great joy in zapping squirrels from the birdfeeder outside of her window.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Fern; husbands Leo Kulinski and Victor Erickson, brother/sister-in-law Glen and Jean Yager; and sister, Donna Kappel.

Violet is survived by 3 step-children, Susan (Brad) Hanson, Becky (Mike) Koecheler and Bonnie (Luke) Scadden and several step-grandchildren and one step-great grandchild; nieces Linda (Tom) Engelke and Sally Engen (Kevin Weinzierl); nephews Mike, Tim (Wendy) and Dan (Amy) Yager; several great nieces and nephews and brothers, Ted and Dave Yager; brother-in-law Gervase Kappel and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Waverly, MN. Interment to follow at St Mary's Cemetery in Waverly, MN.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted, MN. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.chilsonfuneralhome.com