Thief River Falls – Donavan Leigh Erlandson, 78, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, with his loving wife, Verla by his side.
Donavan Leigh Erlandson was born March 12, 1946, in Fertile, the son of Ralph Alexander and Nora Bernice (Anderson) Erlandson. He was baptized at Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Thief Lake and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. He attended Northrop Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1964. Donavan was lovingly known as “Doby” by his friends and family throughout his life.
Following high school, Donavan worked for Philips Auto Wrecking for a short time and for Harry Dahl Construction in Thief River Falls.
On October 18, 1975, Donavan was united in marriage to Verla Mehrkens at St. John Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, and they made their home in the Thief River Falls area. They were an inseparable couple throughout their 49 years of marriage and especially enjoyed camping, hunting, 4-wheeling and fishing for walleyes.
Early in his married life, Donavan hauled propane for Continental Oil and later for Vernon Lee at Thief River Oil. From 1978–1979 he drove school buses and did mechanic work for the Thief River Falls School District. He then went to work for the City of Thief River Falls Street Department until his retirement in 2004.
Survivors include his loving wife, Verla; sister-in-law, Marion Sorenson; brothers-in-law, Albert Mehrkens and Darrel Mehrkens; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Roy Mehrkens and Calvin Sorenson; sister-in-law, Kathy Mehrkens; and many other friends and family.
The service to celebrate Donavan’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Tim Lundeen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Lunch will be served followed by the burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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