Thief River Falls – Dennis Erickson, 74, died on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls.
Memorial services were held Saturday, January 14 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with Larry Myhrer officiating. A private burial will be held in the Spring at Rosewood Cemetery, New Solum Township, Marshall County.
Dennis Willard Erickson was born on August 21, 1942 in Thief River Falls, the son of Willard and Bernice (Johnson) Erickson. He attended school in Thief River Falls.
Dennis joined the United States Army and proudly served his country. After his service he moved to the Twin Cities where he worked for Keys Well Drilling Company. A few years later he moved back to Thief River Falls. Dennis purchased his grandfather’s drilling rig and started Erickson Well Drilling where he drilled for over four decades.
He later met Geraldine Joy Olson and they were married on December 10, 1972 in Goodridge. They made their home in Thief River Falls along with their four children: Wade, Kim, Marla, and Ranada.
Dennis loved to hunt, socialize, and dance. As a third generation well driller, his passion was well known. He was a member of the American Legion in Thief River Falls. Dennis will always be remembered as a kind, generous, helpful, honest, and ethical man who will be dearly missed.
Dennis is survived by his special friend, Darlene Clark of Lengby; his children, Kim (Mark Haugen) Foster, of Thief River Falls, Marla (Jason) King of Thief River Falls, Ranada Erickson of Denver, CO; 3 grandchildren, Samm Foster, Andrew Anderson, Ryan King; 2 great-grandchildren, Teagan Foster and Paxton Wilson; sisters, Diane Erickson of Thief River Falls, and Debra Hagman of Fargo, ND; brother-in-law, Lloyd Olson, Fallon, NV, and several nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Erickson; son, Wade Foster; parents, Willard and Bernice Erickson; infant brother, David Erickson; brothers-in-law, Ivan Olson, Harvey Olson, and LaVerne Olson.
A00003B2017JA18