Norman Erickson

Norman Oliver Erickson was born on April 14, 1940, in Sisseton, SD, to Arthur and Otine (Stai) Erickson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Holden Lutheran Church in rural Beardsley, MN.  Norman attended school in Beardsley, graduating in 1959.  After graduation, Norm started farming in partnership with his father and brother.

Norm joined the Ortonville National Guard in 1962 and took his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.  He served 6 years being honorably discharged in 1968 after achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Norm married Carol-Lee (Opitz) Novacek at St. Mary's Catholic Church on June 23, 1984.  At this time, he moved into Beardsley but continued his farming occupation.  In later years Norm especially enjoyed farming with his nephew, Randy.  Norm retired from farming in 2014.

Norm served on the church council and cemetery board at Holden Lutheran Church for many years.  He enjoyed the many trips he and Carol-Lee took, and their annual trip to the Minnesota State Fair was something he always looked forward to.  He was an avid Twins and Vikings fan.  He always enjoyed going to auction sales, and his days were made complete with his visits with friends at Bobby Jo's Cafe.

On August 24, 2025, Norman, a resident of the Browns Valley Care Center, went to be with the Lord at the age of 85.  His wife Carol-Lee was by his side.

Preceding Norman in death were his parents Arthur and Otine; an infant brother LeRoy; his brother Arlie; sister-in-law LaVonne; and his mother-in-law Helen Opitz.

He is survived by Carol-Lee, his loving wife of 41 years; a brother-in-law Gene Opitz; his nephew Randy (Christy) Erickson of Beardsley; his nieces Brenda (Kelly) Arndt of Zumbrota, Sherri (Leon) Nelson of Spicer, and Tracy Davis of Breckenridge; and several great nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Norman's request, there will be no funeral service.   A private burial will be held at Holden Lutheran Cemetery.