Obituary of Gerald Erickson

Celebration of the life of Gerand N. Erickson will be 11:00 AM Friday, November 7, 2008 at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Spirit Lake. Visitation will begin at the church one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are under the care of Turner Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Condolences may be sent online at www.turnerfuneralhomes.com. Gerald Norman Erickson was born March 4, 1928 in Boone, Iowa the son of Norman Hugo and Bessie (Swattosh) Erickson. He was raised and educated in Stanhope and Stratford, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he earned a B.S. in Poultry Husbandry. Gerald served as an officer in the US Air Force during the Korean War, stationed at Ramey AFB in Puerto Rico, until receiving an Honorable Discharge on June 11, 1956. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Lister on June 8, 1952 until her death due to leukemia on March 29, 1964. On July 18, 1965 he married Mary Ella Cowan. Gerry worked as the Poultry Processing Production Manager at Priebe & Sons in Sac City, and NWNL Life Insurance Sales in Spirit Lake. After retirement, he was involved in farm management at Vilas & Co. in Storm Lake. Gerry was a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church in Spirit Lake. He loved the outdoors, especially golfing, hunting, motorcycling, snowmobiling and lapidary (rock hound). He was also involved in the Humane Society and enjoyed computers. An accomplished fix-it man, Gerry could fix anything and loved figuring out solutions to any mechanical or building problem. As a child, he performed on WHO's Barn Dance with his father, where they were known as Norman Birdman & Freckles. In his youth, he tap danced, played saxophone, trumpet and piano. Gerald passed away peacefully at his home in Monarch Cove on Wednesday, October 26, 2008, with his wife and daughters at his side. He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Mary Ella Erickson; daughters, Sue Ann Aitchison and her husband Randall, and their son, Michael Erickson Aitchison, all of Iowa City, Iowa and Connie Jo Hill and special friend, Kenny Lobell of New Orleans, LA; He is also survived by Elwood Harden, whom Gerry and Mary raised for twelve years; special companions, their poodle, Louie and family cats. Preceding him in death were his parents, Norman and Bessie, infant son, Mark, and first wife Mary Ann.