Ordean Erickson

Ordean Erickson, age 88, of Gonvick, MN, passed away on Tuesday, June 22nd, at the Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 25th, at the Elim Lutheran Brethren Church in Clearbrook, MN with the Rev. Adam Krog officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Gonvick American Legion Post #304 and the National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Ordean was born April 9, 1933 in rural Gonvick, MN, Pine Lake Township to parents, Jens and Ida (Haugom) Erickson.  He grew up on the farm and went to grade school at Wolden School.  Later Ordean attended Gonvick Public School where he graduated in 1951.

He was drafted into the Army in 1954 and was stationed in Korea.  After the service, Ordean held numerous jobs in addition to farming.  In 1957 he married Verna Pilon.  They lived most of their married life on the farm in rural Gonvick.

Ordean’s passion was the railroad, where he worked as an engineer for over 20 years.  He was employed by numerous railroad lines and retired in 1998.  Hobbies included hunting, trapping, woodworking, and watching baseball.  He was a member of Elim Lutheran Brethren Church in Clearbrook, MN.  In addition to Ordean’s parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Verna; grandson, Silas; great grandchild, Taylor, brother-in-law, Murray Bingman, and nephew, Michael Bingman.

Survivors include daughter, Rhonda of Gonvick, MN; sons, Randy (Ree) of Rochester, MN, Richard (Janet) of Osakis, MN, and Ronald (Barb) of Williston, ND.  In addition, Ordean will be missed by his grandchildren Ann, Jennifer, Timothy (Sarah), Torii, Isaac (Addy), Josiah, Ruthanne (Hans) Holzner, Collin, and two great grandchildren, David and Lenora.  He is also survived by his brother, Harvey (Sandra) Erickson, one sister-in-law, Mardell Bingman, two nieces and two nephews.

Thank you to everyone for your love, prayers, and support these past weeks.