Richard Lloyd Erickson

Richard L. Erickson, 92, of Minneapolis, MN and formerly of Baxter, MN, and Minneota MN, passed away Wednesday, August 5 at Mount Olivet Careview Home. The family is holding a memorial service on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN with visitation for one hour prior to the service. A lunch will follow the service at the church and the internment will be at the Mount Olivet West Campus at a later date. Richard was born January 26, 1934 on his family farm near Gilbert, IA to Lloyd and Josie (Prescott) Erickson. After his graduation from Gilbert High School, Richard attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA. While there, he met the love of his life, Mavis Ullestad. Following Waldorf, Richard received his undergraduate degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. In December 1956, Richard and Mavis were united in marriage in Thompson, IA. After the wedding they moved to St. Paul, MN and welcomed their first child, Ann, while Richard was finishing his master's degree from Luther Seminary. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to New Rockford, ND where Richard served as pastor at three local churches and Mavis worked as a nurse at the nursing home. While in New Rockford, their first son, Paul, and second daughter, Rita, were born. In 1963, the family moved to Marseilles, IL where Richard served as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Mavis worked at a nearby hospital. In 1967, they moved to Belview, MN where Richard served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Mavis worked at a local hospital. While in Belview, he also attended Minnesota State University Mankato to get his teaching certificate to be a substitute teacher. In 1968, they welcomed their second son, Bruce, to the family. After six years, the family moved to Minneota, MN where Richard became administrator of the Minneota Manor nursing home and pastor of Hemnes Lutheran Church and Mavis worked at the Manor. Richard was particularly proud of Hemnes for sponsoring a Vietnamese refugee family of six to help them resettle in Minneota. After retiring, Richard and Mavis moved to their lake home in Baxter, MN and spent winters in Florida. Richard enjoyed gardening, reading, playing board games, camping, fishing, going to the cabin, attending sporting events, and traveling. He particularly loved being involved in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also active in community organizations including Rotary Club, Minneota's school board and ambulance crew, Minnesota's Long-term Care Association, Big Brother Big Sister program, and others. Richard is survived by his children, Ann (Dennis) of Kenyon, MN, Paul (Jon) of Minneapolis, Rita (Gabe) of Runnels, IA, and Bruce (Mary) of Roseville, MN; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Rachel (Siddhartha), Ronya (Giang), Josh (Lindsey), Joey (Jenn), Nathan, Ben, Hans, and Lars; great-grandchildren, Rowan, Oscar, Hayden, and Maya; sisters-in-law Karen, Stella, Clara, and Rosella, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his wife Mavis, an infant daughter, his parents, three brothers, Harold, Jim, and Marvin, three sisters, Lois, Naomi, and Ramona, in infancy, grandson Jeremiah, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law. Richard was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is dearly missed. Blessed be his memory. The family wishes for memorials to be directed to Richard's favorite organizations, Lutheran Social Services or Lutheran World Relief. Special thank you to the staff at Presbyterian Homes, Mount Olivet Careview Home, and Grace Hospice for taking care of Richard during his last few years and months. Thank you also to all who visited, called, or contacted him while he was receiving care.

Richard Lloyd Erickson

January 26, 1934 - August 5, 2026

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