Irma M. Erickson • 1917 - 2010

Irma M. Erickson, 92, Minot, formerly of Carpio, ND, died Monday, January 18, 2010 in her home.

Irma Johnson was born on December 7, 1917, a daughter of Frank and Victoria (Youngman) Johnson on the Johnson homestead in White Ash Township, ND.

Irma attended White Ash Consolidated School for ten years and completed her last two years of high school in Carpio.  At the age of 19 her mother Victoria died and Irma took over many of the responsibilities for raising her siblings.

Irma married family friend Clifford B. Erickson on July 21, 1937 in Carpio Lutheran Free Church.  They moved to Granville and spent one long, snowbound winter on a farm there.  They soon returned to the Carpio area and purchased the Ostgulen farm in White Ash Township, one-half mile south of Irma’s birthplace.  In 1938 they had their first and only son Alan who was soon followed by three daughters. In 1950 daughter number four arrived and seven years later their surprise daughter was born.

In February 1948 they suffered significant loss in a house fire but Irma, Clifford and their four children Alan, Deneen, Janice, and baby Jackie were fortunate to escape without harm at 5:00 AM in 20 degree below zero temperature.  With the interior of their house badly burned, they lived for two months with Jim and Ida Johnson and children while rebuilding their farm home. 

Irma and Clifford’s home was the hub for family, friends and neighbors. Here they proudly raised their son and five daughters along with caring for nephews, sisters, brothers, fathers and cousins. Their farm home was the place to find food, love, comfort, a good laugh and always people who cared.   Throughout their farm years, they grew small grains, raised sheep, chickens, and dairy cows.  They found their passion in raising Registered Angus cattle and spent years enjoying good times with their friends showing and selling Angus.  They found great pride and joy sharing in the lives of their six children, their spouses, 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. 

In 1979 they built their home in Carpio and started their “retirement.”  Their leisure time was spent attending grandchildren’s ballgames, traveling around the country to visit their children and grandchildren and enjoying the company of their neighbors. 
 
Irma enjoyed her diverse community activities throughout her life including her premiere theatrical appearance in a community play! She was active in White Ash Community Club and Homemakers Club, president and member of the Carpio Lutheran Church women’s group, 4-H leader for more than 20 years, a member of the Carpio School PTA board, and more recently the Carpio Senior Citizens Center.

In 2008 Irma moved to Edgewood Vista where she enjoyed playing bridge, whist, Scrabble, Farkle, and numerous activities.  She brightened the world of those around her and loved her visits from family and friends.  Her positive outlook on life continues to be an inspiration to us all.

Each morning Irma would say, “Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” She showed her joy in the Lord in word and deed.

Those who shared in her life: Son: Alan (Judy) Erickson, Carpio, daughters Deneen LeRoy, Oceanside, CA, Janice (Dennis Linnertz) Fiedler, Minot, Jackie (Ed) Rieger, Winter Haven, FL, Glenda (Raymond) Quick, Fort Benton, MT, Cindy (Darrell) Leines, Plymouth, MN;  grandchildren: Todd (Tammy) Erickson, Trent (Susan) Erickson, McKay Erickson, Matthew (Brenda) LeRoy, Whitney (Gary) Johnson, Barry (Holly)Fiedler, Dana Fiedler, Courtney (Scott) Linkous, Bryce (Meredith) Rieger, Rebecca (Gary) Howorka, Chelsea (Jonathan) Janke, and Chad Leines; fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Vivian Erickson, Minot, sister Betty West, Woodburn,OR and JoAnn (Aime) Cote, Missoula, MT, brother Jim Johnson, Blaine, WA;  and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clifford, two sons-in-law Carl LeRoy and Larry Fiedler, one grandchild Tracy Erickson, and sister Mary Lou Halligan, and brother Kenneth Johnson.

Visitation:  Friday, January 22, 2010 from noon until 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Prayer Service:  Friday at 7 pm in the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot

Funeral Service:  Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 11 am at Carpio Lutheran Church, Carpio, ND

Burial: Saturday at 2:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot

Officiant: Rev. Kevin Beard

Placing of the Pall: Irma’s Children

Music
Congregational hymn “Amazing Grace”
Jodi Bock, vocalist to offer special music “This World Is Not My Home”
Rev. Kevin Beard, guitarist to offer: “This Is The Day”
Congregational hymn “In The Garden”
Congregational hymn “How Great Thou Art”
Colleen Peterson, organist

Honorary Bearers: Irma’s Great-Grandchildren

Active Bearers: Irma’s Grandchildren

Following the funeral service there will be lunch and fellowship at the church.

Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 2 pm. There will be no formal procession.

The Erickson family would like to thank the staff and residents of Edgewood Vista for making Irma’s last years so happy.  May God bless the memory of Irma! May each of you have her faith and carry on her spirit of thankfulness and giving.

To sign the online guest register for Irma
To view the online guest register for Irma

To view the outside of Irma's folder
To view the inside of Irma's folder
To view the insert to Irma's folder

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