Duane R. Erickson

Duane R. Erickson, 98 year old resident of Little Falls, MN formerly of the Twin Cities passed away Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living Little Falls, MN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 30, 2013 at the Little Falls Alliance Church in Little Falls, MN with Rev. Nate Bjorge officiating. Burial will take place in Aeneas Cemetery near Kensington, MN. Friends may call from 10-11 A.M. on Monday at the Little Falls Alliance Church in Little Falls, MN. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Duane Raymond Erickson was born September 4, 1915, in Stevens County to Erick and Annie (Klein) Erickson. He was baptized and confirmed at Aeneas Lutheran Church. Duane attended country school and West Central School of Agriculture graduating in 1933. He passed away December 26, 2013. Duane married Helen Stark on October 17, 1943. They began their married life on the Erickson family farm in Swan Lake Township where four daughters were born to them. The family moved to their own farm in 1958. Duane and Helen moved to Alexandria in 1973 where Duane worked as a carpenter building houses. He also spent many hours in his shop building furniture and crafting items out of wood. The couple moved to Little Falls in 1993 where Duane lived until he moved to Brooklyn Park in 2008. He returned to Little Falls in October of 2012. Duane was a devoted husband and wonderful father with a love for each of his grandchildren that made them feel uniquely special. He enjoyed farming, gardening, lawn work and going for rides to see the countryside. Duane showed his family and those around him what God's unconditional love means when he took care of Helen in her last years. Who would have known that this man who was a farmer and carpenter would learn how to take care of a home as he became Helen's primary caregiver. He will be remembered for his strength, work ethic and integrity. Duane is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Marilyn and John Gilbert of Brooklyn Park, Ilo and Gary Diehl of Little Falls, Shirley and Ray Gummer of Brooklyn Park, and Lois Erickson of Little Falls; grandchildren Brad (Kristie) Gilbert, Erica Gilbert, Nathan (Melissa) Diehl, Brenden (Amanda) Diehl, Aaron (Anna) Diehl, Keelan (Rachel) Diehl, Lyssa (Peter) Mooney, Layna Diehl, Sarah (Boris) Morari and Riana (Kevin) Jens; great-grandchildren Bailey and Dylan Gilbert, Sophi, Bennett, Carter, Landon, and Calli Diehl, Isabella, Mia and Samuel Diehl, Emmanuil, Tyler, Conner and Evyn Morari and Ruthann and Edward Jens. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen in 2002; his parents, his sister Jean Barsness and husband Emery; his brother Elton Erickson and wife Mae; his brother-in-law Chester and wife Rhoda; his brother-in-law Arthur Stark and wife Luella; and his sister-in-law Esther Winter and husband Lloyd. Blessed be the memory of Duane Raymond Erickson. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN (320)632-5242 www.shelleyfuneralchapels.com

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Duane R. Erickson

September 4, 1915 - December 26, 2013