Lowell J. Erickson

LOWELL JUANE ERICKSON

April 24, 1936 – February 26, 2019

                Lowell Juane Erickson, age 82, of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Duluth, MN and originally from Lake Park, MN, peacefully passed into the glory of his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side.

                Lowell was born on April 24, 1936, in Pelican Rapids, MN to Eddie and Danah (Anderson) Erickson.  As a boy, he attended the District #50 Country School near his parent’s farm in Cormorant Township south of Lake Park through the eighth grade.  He then went on to attend Lake Park High School, where he graduated in 1954.  As a young man, Lowell entered the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in 1958, Lowell ventured to Chicago, IL where he began a 35 year career working for North Central Airlines which later became Northwest Airlines.  On May 28, 1960, Lowell’s life was made complete in his marriage to Lorraine Kiehl.  They began their lives together in Hibbing, MN.   Later they were transferred to several other cities; including: Moorhead, MN Grand Rapids, MI and finally to Duluth, MN where he retired in 1993.  Lowell and Lorraine enjoyed numerous years of their retirement out on Briar Lake northeast of Duluth.  They made their home there until 2013 when they moved to Park Rapids, MN.  During his retirement, Lowell drove school bus for the Voyager Bus Company and also worked for several funeral homes in Duluth.  Throughout his life, Lowell loved flying airplanes.  As a young man, he accomplished the challenge of flying a single-engine Champion Tri-Traveler Air Plane all the way from Osceola, WI to Puerto Rico without the assistance of instrumentation or radio.  He landed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Port Au Prince, Haiti and Ciudad, The Dominican Republic before finally landing at the Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico.  Lowell enjoyed the great outdoors; especially, when he could be hunting, fishing or canoeing in the BWCA with his family and friends.  Each year he looked forward to working in his large garden where he raised a variety of vegetables, delicious strawberries and raspberries as well as colorful flowers of all kinds. Lowell loved having fun pulling pranks on his grandchildren and for many years looked forward to playing Santa for them each Christmas.  His skill as a craftsman produced handmade rocking horses for his grandchildren and cradles for his great-grandchildren. 

                Lowell was a man of faith and was an active member of the Mount of Olives Baptist Church in Duluth for thirty-two years.  After moving to Park Rapids he became a member of the Faithbridge Church.  Lowell had a servant’s heart and faithfully served the Lord by serving on the Deacon Board, as a Sunday school teacher, working with AWANA youth program, Men’s Prayer Groups, Bible Studies, participating in foreign mission trips, and guiding many youth group canoe trips into the BWCA.  Above all, Lowell will be remembered for his quick wit, his masterful storytelling and his love and devotion for his family.

                He will be lovingly remembered by his precious wife and soul mate for these past 59 years, Lorraine of Park Rapids; his four children: Laureen Laumeyer of Elizabethtown, KY, Wayne (Denise) Erickson of Erhard, MN, Dean Erickson of Atlanta, GA and Todd (April) Erickson of Anchorage, AK; eight dearly loved grandchildren: Danelle, Christopher, David, Christophor, Zackary, Nicole, Parker and Braden; 11 precious great-grandchildren; his four siblings: Margaret Wishnack of Morris, MN, Ellery (Jeanette) Erickson of Litchfield, MN, Gloria (Bob Dahman) Erickson of Pelican Rapids, MN and Danny Erickson of Cormorant Village, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends .  Lowell was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Norman.

                In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to be given by the family to the Veterans Honor Flight Program and to foreign missions in Lowell’s memory.

                Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Ken Polley and Rev. David Cripe officiating. Special music will be provided by Bill and Jan Lundsten.  The casket bearers will be Lowell’s grandchildren. Military honors will be provided by the Star of The North Marine Corps League.  Visitation will begin at the church beginning one hour prior to the service at the church.   A prayer service will be held 12 Noon Monday, March 4, 2019 at the Mount of Olives Baptist Church in Duluth with Pastor Paul Gard officiating.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Following both services a time of food and fellowship will be hosted by Lowell’s respective church families. Entombment will be held at the Sunrise Cemetery in Hermantown at 2 PM on Monday with a prayer by Pastor Phill Terrill following the time with friends at the church.

      To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com