Tilford A. Erickson

Tilford A. Erickson, 89, Moorhead, MN, died Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Eventide in Moorhead, surrounded by his loving family.
Tilford Avrid Erickson was born May 24, 1925 to Peter and Belle Gullingsrud Erickson in Twin Valley, MN. He grew up and attended school in Twin Valley and in 1944 he was drafted into the U.S. Navy where he served two years.
On November 18, 1950 Tilford married Dorothy Hartfiel in Ada, MN. He worked for several Red Owl grocery stores in Langdon, Devils Lake and Wahpeton. In 1961 he started Erickson Construction, building homes until 1981. At that time he began working for Beltone as a hearing aide specialist for the next 10 years. He then worked for Lake Region Nursing Home in Devils Lake where he cut hair for the residents and did various maintenance jobs.
He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake, and then in 1981 became a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Devils Lake, continuing his membership in 2004 to the Moorhead Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Tilford’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, roller skating, gardening and landscaping. He also played several musical instruments including violin, saxophone, harmonica and mandolin.
Tilford loved to cook, and he canned much of the produce grown in his garden. Tilford was always very friendly, and he loved talking with people and taking a real interest in the people he met. He loved to read the Bible and during the last year, when it was hard for him to even walk up the steps of his church, he made every effort to get there. He especially enjoyed spending each day with friends at the Cedar Inn in Devils Lake and the Fryn’ Pan in Moorhead. He also had a special love for the various cats he had throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughter Debbie Ed Fuller, Moorhead; son Rick Erickson, Moorhead, grandchildren, Amy Tyler Williamson, Aaron Kayla Fuller, Adam Hager, and Erika Hager; and great-grandchildren Jace Fuller, Ari Larson, Skye Williamson, Phoenix Williamson and Ellowyn Williamson. He is also survived by his niece, Shari Jackson, and her son, Billy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Bonnie Pritchert, his brother, Phil Erickson, and half-sister Gladys Rasmussen.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Parul Gupta, Dr. Michael Sheldon, Essentia Health, and Eventide.
Memorial Service: Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at Moorhead Seventh-day Adventist Church. Friends and family may gather from 10:00 to 11:00 at the church.
Online guestbook and video tribute at www.wrightfuneral.com.