Merlen R. Erickson

Merlen Richard Erickson was born February 6, 1930 in Lake Park, MN to Louise and Carl Erickson.Merlen grew up in Lake Park and graduated from Detroit Lakes High school in 1948. He joined the Navy in 1948 and then attended college at Moorhead State Teacher's college graduating in 1954 with honors, with a major in music and minor in geography. He taught in Waubun,MN, Walhalla,ND, Hitterdal, MN, and finally in Moorhead in the fall of 1959. He completed his Masters in Music Education in 1960 from the University of Northern Colorado at Greeley.He met Helen Ann Crow in 1961 and they married December 29, 1963. Daughter Ann was born in 1965 and Ruth in 1966. Merlen taught in district #152 for 33 years until his retirement in 1992. He was an accomplished gardener and grew a variety of vegetables as well as beautiful perennials and annuals. He was an artisan, a talented cartoonist and masterful wood carver. Many summers were spent at campers point on Pelican Lake in Minnesota. Merlen loved to fish and the solunar fishing tables had him up before dawn to hit the lake in search of the elusive walleye! Dad was an active member of his church, Trinity Lutheran here in Moorhead singing in the choir, serving on numerous committees, volunteering and most recently being involved with Trinity's small group dedicated to gardening.Merlen will be remembered for his quick wit, working with his hands, and his love of the outdoors, music and family.Preceding Merlen in death are his Father, Carl Erickson, his mother, Louise Torno Erickson, sister Louise Nelson, brother-in-law Robert Nelson, brother-in-law Robert Solum, sister -in-law Gwen Selseth and brother-in-law Pete Selseth.Merlen is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen Crow Erickson, his daughters Ann Erickson Kyle Kositzky Moorhead, MN; Ruth David Melby Forest City, IA grandsons Mark and Daniel Melby , brother-in-law Allan Pat Solum, Paynesville, MN and sister- in- law Donna Solum of Hawley, MN.In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Churches United for the homeless, Trinity Lost and Found Ministry , The Haiti Medical/Humanitarian Mission trip funds through Trinity Lutheran Church and Trinity building for mission expansion project.