Michael Erickson

Monday, March 9, 2015 4:42 pm

Michael Erickson, 45, died peacefully at home Friday, March 6, 2015, of congestive heart failure. Services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Decorah Lutheran Church in Decorah, with Rev. Dave Sorenson and Rev. Bryan Robertson officiating. Organist was Kathy Murray. Hymns were “Here I Am, Lord,” “Jerusalem, My Happy Home,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” Honorary casket bearers were Jim Monty and Lee Hageman. Casket bearers were Mike Zoulek, Dave Zoulek, Ross Neebel, Greg Suhr, Marty Samuelson and Steve Minikus. Interment was at Canoe Methodist Cemetery in Decorah. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Michael Erickson was born Nov. 13, 1969, in Cedar Falls, to Thomas and Garnita (Ludwig) Erickson. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. He attended school in Cedar Falls, and graduated in 1988 from Cedar Falls High School. Michael enjoyed living on the family farm North of Decorah. Michael worked at Gemini for several years before deciding to farm with his father. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who also loved playing with his dog, Ole, junking, spending time with family (especially his nephew Austin) and swapping stories with the neighbors. On the weekends, Michael enjoyed cheering for the Denver Broncos and watching NASCAR. 

Michael is survived by his parents, Thomas and Garnita (Ludwig) Erickson of Decorah; one brother, Jason (Naly) Erickson of Decorah; two sisters, Stephanie Erickson and Stacy (Jacob) Smith of Davenport; one nephew, Austin Erickson of Decorah; one uncle, Lester (Dawn) Erickson, Jr. of Decorah; one aunt, Anita (Donald) Schantz, of Fort Atkinson; and many cousins. 

Michael was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lester and Mabel (Thompson) Erickson and his maternal grandparents, Emil and Hazel (Kerst) Ludwig.