Edward O Erickson passed away June 25th, 2026, at 92 years of living life to the fullest.

A celebration of his life will be held August 29th, 2026 from 1-3 PM at the Max Memorial Hall. Please stop by for lunch and to celebrate the life of Ed.

Ed was born August 29th, 1933, in Ruso ND. The 3rd son, 6 children born to Edward Sr and Olga (Thorson) Erickson. The Family moved to Garrison then made their permanent home in Benedict. Ed attended the Benedict School to Grade 8 which was the highest grade available. Since traveling to Max to further his education was not possible, Ed went to work for the railroad at the age of 15 with most of his pay going to help with the needs of his younger siblings. He told stories of working to remove snow mountains so the trains could safely pass to deliver supplies to the next town down the line. He trapped furs in the winter to earn extra money and spent much time with his brothers hunting and fishing.

Ed was inducted to serve in the US Army in June 1953 and served 18 months overseas in Korea as a gunner then motor pool mechanic. He was released as a Corporal 1st class from Active-Duty Military Service and transferred to the Army Reserves to complete his 8 years. He was awarded several service medals to include a Good Conduct Medal. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.

In February 1957 Ed and Brother Al moved to Whitier CA to find work and experience life outside of North Dakota After realizing North Dakota was a place to be, he returned to work security for Boeing. December 1957, he asked Eleanor to be his bride. They were married June 8th, 1958, and made their home in a small trailer on the Emil farm. They upgraded with each new addition to their family. Greg was born in 1962 and Nancy in 1966.

In 1969 Ed and Eleanor purchased a bare piece of land and broke ground on the Erickson homestead. His home and yard was a labor of love as most of the work was done by Ed with the help of his family and friends. Ed took much pride and joy in creating a beautiful home for his family and he continued to make improvements throughout his life. His favorite pastime was to sit on the deck with a cold beverage, throw something delicious on the grill, relax, listen to the birds and watch for visitors of the 4-legged kind. He planted all of the trees which surround the Erickson home to protect from harsh winds and as habitat for birds and wildlife. He built birdhouses and well stocked feeding stations and spent time patiently waiting for the perfect photo.

Caring for his family was job one to Ed. He looked after his parents doing all he could to make their lives better and never hesitated to help friends or family. He was very close with his brothers and sister and loved to laugh, joke around or host a family gathering where he manned the grill. He enjoyed watching his 5 grandchildren grow and taught them many life lessons along the way. He held many jobs over his lifetime to include construction, heavy equipment operator and worked long hours during the 1969 flood in Minot. He retired from Coal Creek in 1992 but worked construction and for the Benedict Elevator on and off.

He is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor (Emil) 2015, parents Edward & Olga, brothers; Orris, Ronald, Alvin, Donald, sister; Viola Gullickson.

He is survived by his children, Greg Erickson of Mandan, Nancy Bauer of Bismarck and grandchildren; Eric Erickson of Bismarck, Kali Ann Bauer of Santa Maria CA, Nicolas Bauer, Douglas Bauer, Tessa Bauer all of Bismarck. He also leaves behind several Nieces and Nephews.