Robert Erlandson

Robert Erlandson, age 82, of rural Gully, MN, passed away on Thursday, July 1st, at the Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 12th, at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Gully, with Pastor Dawn Hanson officiating. Interment will be Bethany Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, July 11th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Monday afternoon at the church. Military honors will be conducted by the Gully American Legion Post #603, 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.

Robert Orlando Lee Erlandson was born on February 3, 1939, in Clearbrook, Minnesota to parents Lawrence and Betsey (Bergerson) Erlandson. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church and graduated from Oklee High School in 1957. After his graduation, Robert entered the United States Army. He was stationed in Texas from 1960 through 1962 where he drove truck and was a mechanic.

When Robert finished his military service, he worked with his dad on the farm and they also did numerous painting jobs for churches and businesses in Minneapolis.

Robert was united in marriage to Eileen Bayerl on November 19, 1966, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted, Minnesota. After their marriage, they lived in Fridley, Minnesota until 1971 when they moved to their farm in Johnson Township, north of Gully. Robert raised cattle, hogs, grain and hay. In the winter months, he would restore John Deere 2-cylinder tractors.

Robert was active in his community. He served on the Bethany Lutheran Church Board, Johnson Township Board (Treasurer for 37 years), Soil and Water Conservation Board, Minnesota Farmers Union Local Group; he was a member of the Painter’s Union, and the Gully American Legion Post #603.

Robert enjoyed going to threshermen reunion shows, visiting family and friends, and going to dances. He also enjoyed seeing his grandchildren when they came to visit him out at the farm.

Robert passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 28 days.

He is survived by his three children, Thomas Erlandson of Gully, MN, John (Lisa) Erlandson of Gully, MN, and Mary Beth (Gerald) Gonsorowski of Thief River Falls, MN; four grandchildren, Ethan Klasen, Austin Erlandson, and Geran and Jazlyn Gonsorowski; one sister, Rosemary Wolf of McAllen, TX; his aunt, Bernice (Erlandson) Magnussen of Fosston; and other relatives. He is also survived by his beloved Dog, “Molly”, at the farm.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen, on February 27, 2011; his parents; one sister, Elizabeth Erlandson; granddaughter, Brianna Erlandson; brother-in-law, Milton Wolf; niece, Debra (Wolf) Murillo; and his father and mother-in-law, Edward and Mildred Bayerl.

Blessed be his memory