Susan Merry Erickson

Susan Merry Erickson, of Maplewood, MN passed away in her home, May 30th, 2023. Susan was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 22, 1947, to Phyllis and Royal Sommers. She had four siblings, Eileen, Gerald, JoHenri, and Robert. She graduated from Washington High School. She was very active in the First Lutheran youth program and college group, where she met the love of her life, Eric Erickson. She attended the University of Iowa for one year, but as she stated in her own words, "I was so smitten with love for Eric (her Fiancé) that I couldn't think!" While at the University of Iowa Susan participated in Young Life Ministries, where she developed a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Eric and Susan were married the following fall. Her "5-year plan" was fulfilled in 11 months with the arrival of their first born, Todd. Kimberly followed just two and a half years later. During the early years of raising their children, the family attended St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where Sue was involved in pioneering their contemporary worship service. During this time, through her experience with Women's Aglow, Sue began to develop what would become her lifelong passion for raising up women in ministry. Eventually, she would become the local Aglow chapter president. Susan's relationship with Christ and passion to see the Holy Spirit move in people's lives motivated the family to join North Heights Lutheran Church. There they found like-minded fellowship and a strong youth program for their children. Through this youth program Susan began to disciple Melisa, who eventually became adopted into the family "through an adoption of the heart." In the 1980's, Susan and Eric had a vision to share their love and their faith with more children, so they became licensed foster parents. They had the privilege of parenting ten additional children over the course of ten years. During that time Aubrey was legally adopted into the family. Susan's involvement in North Heights was rich and varied. Her leadership during the 1990's shone forth in Alpha Ministry, Billy Graham Crusades, the Holy Spirit Conferences, prayer groups, and various small groups. Eventually she accepted a full-time position with North Heights as the Director of Small Group Ministries, where she trained and discipled leaders for over 140 small groups. Susan retired in 2003. Upon retiring, Susan and Eric enjoyed longer periods of time in Hilo, HI each year, where their daughter Kim and family reside. Ministry for Susan did not stop with retirement, as she continued calling women to develop their spiritual gifts through a women's Bible study in Hilo, and a women's prayer group in MN. Susan and Eric were blessed to enjoy countless adventures with friends and family, as well as trips to Israel, throughout the Southwest, and a European cruise. Last year her family gathered to celebrate her 75th birthday and Eric and Susan's 55th Wedding Anniversary! Susan is survived by her husband Eric, sons Todd (Sylvia), Aubrey (Tonya), daughters- Kim (Nate), Melisa. Grandchildren: Natalie, Kylee, Emma, Eric, Kalika, Samuel, Matthew, Carley Sue, Ethan, India and Ezra. She is also survived by siblings Eileen, JoHenri, and Robert, along with many loving nieces, nephews, and foster children. A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 28th at North Heights Lutheran Church, 2701 Rice St. Roseville, MN 55113. Visitation 10 a.m., Service 11 a.m. with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers donations in Susan's memory may be sent to: Aglow International https://www.myaglow.org/content/form--memorial-donation

Tributes

Susan Merry Erickson

June 22, 1947 - May 30, 2023

Tributes

Susan Merry Erickson

June 22, 1947 - May 30, 2023

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