MAVIS ERICKSON

Mavis Erickson, 89, of Bloomington, MN, passed away Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 at Presbyterian Homes.
The family is holding a memorial service on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. A lunch will follow the service at the church and the interment will be at the Mt. Olivet West Campus in Victoria, MN following the luncheon.
Mavis was born May 29, 1934 on her family farm near Thompson, IA, to John and Sophie (Nes) Ullestad. After her graduation from Thompson High School, Mavis attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA. While there, she met her life-long companion and love of her life, Richard Erickson. Following Waldorf, Mavis entered nurses training and received her degree as a registered nurse at Fairview Lutheran Deaconess in Minneapolis in 1956. In December 1956, Mavis and Richard were united in marriage in Thompson. While living in St. Paul, MN, they welcomed their first child, Ann, while Richard was finishing his studies at Luther Seminary. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to New Rockford, ND, where Mavis worked at the nursing home and Richard served as pastor at three local churches. While in New Rockford, their first son, Paul, was born and 13 months later, daughter Rita, was born.
In 1963, Mavis and Richard moved to Marseilles, IL. Mavis worked as a nurse at the hospital in nearby Ottawa and Richard served as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Marseilles. In 1967, the family moved to Belview, MN, where Mavis worked as an emergency room and surgical nurse in nearby Redwood Falls and Richard served as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Belview. In 1968, the family welcomed another son, Bruce, to the family. After six years in Belview the family moved to Minneota, MN where Mavis worked at the Minneota Manor nursing home and Richard became the administrator. He also served as pastor to Hemnes Lutheran Church. After retiring, Mavis and Richard spent time in Florida, their lake home in Baxter, MN, and traveling.
Mavis loved to spend time with family and friends. Life was filled with church activities such as serving as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, camping, traveling, visiting, and hosting family and friends. She enjoyed helping and taking part in activities and events at the Minneota Manor. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage. Together, Mavis and Richard made several trips to Norway to visit relatives and welcomed those relatives when they came to the United States. She loved to plan birthday parties, reunions, and other family celebrations. Mavis also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, painting, and making church banners.
Mavis is survived by her husband, Richard Erickson of Bloomington and children, Ann (Dennis) of Kenyon, MN; Paul (Jon) of Minneapolis; Rita (Gabe) of Runnells, IA; and Bruce (Mary) of Roseville, MN; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Rachel (Siddhartha), Ronya (Giang), Josh (Lindsey), Joey (Jenn), Nathan, Ben, Lars, and Hans; great-grandchildren, Rowan and Oscar; two sisters, Stella (Thomas), Clara (Dale); sister-in-law, Rosella; and many nieces and nephews.
Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Tom and Jonas; seven sisters, Olive, Martha, Judith, Amy, Jenny, Alice and Stella in infancy; grandson, Jeremiah, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
She is dearly missed. Blessed be her memory. The family wishes memorials be directed to Mavis's favorite organizations: Jeremiah's Hope for Kindness, Lutheran World Relief, and Oaks Indian Mission.
Special thank you to the staff at Presbyterian Homes and Optage Hospice for taking care of Mavis her last few months. Thank you also to all who visited, called, sent texts or cards while she was receiving care.