Willard Erickson

WILLARD LEROY ERICKSON was born on October 3, 1921 to Walter and Helen (Larson) Erickson in Pipestone County, Minnesota. He was raised in rural Jasper, Minnesota where he received his education. Following school, he farmed for a time and worked various jobs in the area. On July 17, 1942 he entered the US Army at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. He served overseas in World War II as a mechanic in Germany. He was honorably discharged on January 17, 1946 and returned home to Jasper. He held mechanic positions in the Jasper area before moving to California. He made his home in the greater Los Angeles area where he worked as a mechanic at Douglas Aircraft. He also spent a couple years working abroad in England as a mechanic. In 1969, Will went to work at Fresh Start Bakeries as an engineer/machinist where he continued to work for the next 20 years. In addition, he owned a few properties which he rented and maintained. In December of 2009, he returned to his roots in Jasper. Due to his declining health from his cancer battle, he moved to Jasper Sunrise Village. Will died peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage in Luverne, Minnesota at the age of 92 years, 6 months, and 19 days.

Will was a member of the Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jasper. He loved following the stock market. He had a gift when it came to fixing things and enjoyed car shows and swap meets. Will also enjoyed wood carving and most recently completed a PLINKO board at Sunrise for the residents. No matter how far away he was, he always made a point to return to the area to attend family events and stay connected to his friends and family.

Will is survived by his nieces and nephews, Jerry (Janine) Aaland of Jasper, Becky (Wayne) Uilk of Jasper, Jan (Bill) Klinsing of Andover, MN, Mike (Jolene) Erickson of Holland, MN, Jim (Lynn) Erickson of North Freedom, WI, Mary (Alex) Cruz-Bermudez of Round Lake Beach, Il, and Deb Erickson also of North Freedom; his two sisters-in-law, Lorraine Erickson of Baraboo, WI, and Blanche Schei of Luverne; his special friend, Esther Bergin of Reno, NV; and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Luella Aaland; three brothers, Lawrence, Helmer and Norman Erickson; and his nephews, Gary Erickson and Roger Erickson.