Doris Erickson

Under a full snow moon upon a verse of Amazing Grace, Doris Jean Erickson passed on into loving realms February 19, 2019. Beloved, musical, supportive woman of her timea�"Doris was a talented communicator, writer, traveler, conservationist, avid bird watcher (cardinals held a special place in her heart), creative homemaker and she held many secretarial and administrative positions. Born in North Dakota, she lived in Minnesota (Inver Grove Heights and Willmar) and Illinois (southwestern areas, Libertyville and Antioch). She embodied her philosophy of open your heart and door to others. Stop and help. Sing and harmonize. Together, with loving husband Eugene Erickson Jr. and their children Jan, Noel and Susan, they did.

Known to break into song at any moment, warm your feet at the hockey rink, lead a Girl Scout troop so you could participate, recite a poem at the party, and teach you how to bake cinnamon rollsa�"she spent 83 years creating a life that was as harmonious as possible. She loved her myriad of familial, church (United Methodist), neighborly, work roles and friendships. She took great pleasure in good friends and lived with great humility and respect with those she loved or upon being introduced.

Living the most recent 17 years with Alzheimer's and arthritis conditions, she continued to be keenly attentive in her own way. Ever patient, she, and we, remain grateful for all of our family's work caregiving and her caregiver's kindness and deft care through every change (in Willmar & at The Gardens Episcopal Homes, St. Paul). We now work for a worldview expansion regarding being a person living these ever-unique conditions and seek greater research, and teaching and learning.

Doris was preceded in death by Eugene Erickson Jr. (husband); Susan (daughter); Frank & Clara Cummings (parents); Harry & Margaret Cummings (brother and sister-in-law); Marie Boyer (sister); Jim Cummings (brother); Eugene & Alice Erickson (father- & mother-in-law); David Anderson and Wayne Erickson (brothers-in-law).

She is survived by Ericksons: Jan (daughter), Noel & Patricia (son and daughter-in-law), Thomas & Maggie, Chantae, and Tate (adored grandchildren); lively Wesley (great-grandson); and Vonnie Anderson, Dennis & Karen Erickson, Kathleen Erickson, Velora Cummings, Lew Boyer (brothers- and sisters-in-law); and her wonderful extended Erickson and Cummings families and incredible friends. She felt blessed and loved having each and every one of you in her life.

Doris brought greater harmony to our lives. We shall mourn now and celebrate her life when snow is not fallinga�"although she would have liked that. Two services will be hosted.

First service 11:30 AM Sunday, April 14th at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater, MN with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Second service 11 AM Saturday, April 27th at Willmar United Methodist Church, 1818 9th St SW, Willmar, MN with visitation beginning one hour prior.

We encourage wearing red as a tribute to Doris and her love of cardinals (or choose your favorite color) and memorial donations in lieu of flowers.