Allen L. Erickson

Allen L. Erickson, age 80, of Lake Park, MN, died on Friday, August 10, 2012, in Oak Crossing, Detroit Lakes, MN. Allen L. Erickson was born on January 21, 1932, to Alex and Emma Solein Erickson in Gully, MN. He grew up and attended school in Gully until the 9th grade and graduated from Fosston High School in 1950. He then attended college at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in 1955. During the summer months, while in college, Allen worked for Mark's Drug Store in Fosston. He also worked in drug stores in Crystal and Edina, MN while attending college. Allen joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Montgomery, AL. On June 23, 1956, he married Arlys Hasselton in Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston. Allen and Arlys then moved San Angelo, TX, where Allen was stationed at Good Fellow Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force on November 13, 1957, at which time they moved to Lake Park. Upon moving to Lake Park to work for Vic Wahl at the Nelson Drug Store, he and Arlys agreed that they were only going to stay for a few years. 55 years later, they still reside in Lake Park because of the kind and compassionate people in the Lake Park community. Allen purchased Nelson Drug Store in 1969, where he worked until his retirement in 2003. Allen enjoyed all types of sports, specifically the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. He was an avid deer hunter who didn't miss a single season at Third River Deer Camp near Blackduck, MN, since he was a young boy. He also enjoyed playing cards at the Legion and spent many afternoons golfing. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing baseball, softball, basketball and football as well as snowmobiling. Allen was a member of Lake Park Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the Lake Park City Council, the Lake Park Lions as well as the Lake Park American Legion. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arlys Erickson of Lake Park, MN; his two daughters, Deanne Scott Anderson of Lake Park, MN and Karen Roy Criss of Clive, IA; three grandchildren, Kelly Holly Anderson, Ashley Anderson and Maizy Criss; one great-grandchild, Gavin Anderson and one sister, Elaine Chuck Haugen of Baxter, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Mark Allen Erickson.