Marlene M. Erickson

Marlene Mavis Erickson was born on January 23, 1936 to Richard and Leona (Kearney) Nussbaum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at ENR Church in Garretson, South Dakota. She was raised near Garretson and attended grade school in the country and completed high school in town. While growing up, Marlene played softball and participated in 4-H. She graduated from Garretson High School in 1954 and then did clerical work for Keloland News in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Marlene enjoyed going to roller-skate with her friends. While spending time at the roller-rink, Marlene met Roger Erickson. The couple later began dating and on September 8, 1956 they were married at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. The couple first made their home and began farming near Jasper, Minnesota and began their career first with crop farming and dairy cattle. In 1968 they purchased a farm north of Beaver Creek and moved their farming operation. While raising their kids on the farm, Marlene and Roger always found a way to get them involved with chores and teach them the value of hard work, honesty, integrity and appreciate the things they worked hard to get and the relationships they made along life. Marlene and Roger enjoyed taking time to dance, square dance, and snowmobile. After the kids had grown up, Marlene went to work as a cook at the Pantry Café in Luverne, Minnesota for a couple of years. She then went to work in the records department at Tri-State Insurance in Luverne. Following her retirement, she and Roger enjoyed wintering to Arizona. During their trips, Marlene enjoyed riding bicycles, walks, Red Hats, ceramics, and attending the opry. Roger preceded her in death on January 4, 2021. In January 2023, Marlene became a resident at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, Minnesota.

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, while at the Sanford Luverne Hospital, Marlene went to be with her Lord at the age of 88 years, six months and 22 days.

Marlene was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she belonged to Ladies Aid and was a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed gardening, baking, reading books and magazines, and was a member of the Red Hat Club. She also enjoyed being active with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s lives. She spent many hours driving the kids to swimming, participating in 4-H activities, attending school events and church events. She will be remembered for her patience and kindness.

Marlene is lovingly remembered by her children, LoRee Erickson Pothast of Renner, South Dakota, Darla (Larry) Erickson of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Tim (Lisa) Erickson of Luverne; five grandchildren, Seth White, Darren (Melissa) Fransen, Brent (Heather) Fransen, Ethan Erickson (Erin Witzel), and Scott Erickson; eight great-grandchildren, Lexie White, Caiden Fransen, Addison Fransen, Cora Fransen, Asher Fransen, Eli Fransen, Tripp Erickson and Trevor Witzel; and two siblings, Dick (Marjorie) Nussbaum of Brandon, South Dakota and Judy (Fred) Vandersnick of Renner; two sisters-in-law, Chloe Bloemendaal of Loveland, Colorado and Lorna Lorenzen of Loveland; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, Richard and Leona; parents-in-law, Albin and Florence Erickson, siblings-in-law, Ed (Beverly) Woodley, Art Bloemendaal and Verdell Lorenzen; and nephews, Darrell Lorenzen, Keith Woodley and Terry Middlen.

Marlene was a wonderful person and touched many lives. Blessed be her memory!