Wendell Jerome Erickson

Wendell J. Erickson, age 77, of Spicer, passed away Friday morning, October 18, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. followed by a celebration of life service at 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, at Faith Lutheran Church.  Interment will be in the church columbarium.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Wendell Jerome Erickson was born on April 8, 1947, in Lake Park, Minnesota, the son of Clifford and Ruby (Haug) Erickson. He grew up in Cormorant, Minnesota and received his education at Lake Park High School and his secondary education at Moorhead State University.

 Wendell met the love of his life Marge Erickson (Pearson) and they were united in marriage on June of 1973, and from this union three children were born, Amber, Brett and Chad. They made their home in Spicer where he worked in Special Education starting at New London-Spicer schools and later at Willmar Public Schools, devoting himself to those with special education needs for over 30 years.  He later worked for Divine House as a program coordinator and later as a bus supervisor for the mentally and physically challenged students at New London-Spicer schools. 

Other than caring for his lawn and yard, Wendell had very few hobbies. He devoted himself to helping those around him, professionally and personally.  Wendell played the piano and accordion by ear. He loved with compassion and found humor and enjoyed the music and comedy of Dolly Parton but also enjoyed the comedy of some of the greats such as Lucille Ball, Betty White and Carol Burnette.

 He is survived by his wife Marge Erickson, one daughter Amber (and Kyle) Ray of Litchfield; two sons, Brett (and Kelly) Erickson of Minneapolis and Chad (and Jess) Erickson of Brainerd; and three granddaughters, Hannah, Avery and Harper who he loved deeply. Also surviving are two brothers, DeWayne (and Gail) Erickson of Lake Park and Roger (and Adelle) Erickson of Brainerd; and one sister, Ramona Kuehl of Lake Park, besides many more loving family and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Clifford Erickson; and his mother and father-in-law, Duane and Lois Pearson.