Marion Evelyn Erickson • 1909 - 2003

Marion Evelyn Erickson, 94, Cedar Rapids, IA, peacefully "went home" on August 29, 2003, with her family present.

Marion was born in Donnybrook, ND on February 21, 1909. She was the fifth oldest of Harry and Altha Graff's fifteen children. She spent much of her childhood in Minnesota with her grandparents. Marion graduated from Donnybrook High School. She attended Minot State Teacher's College and North Central Bible Institute in Minneapolis, MN. She taught grades 1-8 in a one-room schoolhouse in North Dakota before marrying Si Erickson in 1946. They farmed for several years near Donnybrook, North Dakota.

After her husband's death, Marion moved to Minot, ND. Marion was an active member of the First Assembly of God Church in Minot. She was very proud of the extensive tatting collection that she created, and was interested in preserving this "lost art" by teaching others how to tat. She spent much her of time providing support to younger people at the Minot Air Force Base, and providing hospitality and hugs to people at her church. She had a deep love for Jesus, and enjoyed entertaining guest in her home. Much of her life's work was done over pie and coffee.

Marion was a very proud mother and grandmother of: son Merlin Erickson (Marilyn) of Perryman, MD, daughter Dr. Mary Eyanson (Dr. Steven) of Cedar Rapids, IA, grandsons Michael Erickson and David Eyanson, and granddaughters Morya Erickson and Beth Eyanson.

Marion is survived by eight siblings: Mavis Henderson of Dalton, MN, Muriel (Arnold) Neubauer of Port Ludlow, WA, Myra Baska of Vernonia, OR, Marjorie (Walt) Thompson of Minot, Marlyn (Maynard) Jacobson also of Minot, Marvel Sprouse of Tacoma, WA, Floyd (Joyce) Graff of Stanley, ND, and Gordon (Thelma) Graff of Gig Harbor, WA. She is also survived by brother in law Clifford Erickson (Irma) of Carpio, ND, and sisters in law Vivian Erickson of Minot, Anna Lethem of Kansas, Ethel Graff of Lamberton, MN, Eleanor Graff of Springfield, MN, and Helen Graff of Minot, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers: Robert, Burton, Leslie, and Harold Graff, and sisters: Mildred Mandt and Mabel Coburn.

Marion's strength, singular sense of humor, and independent spirit will be missed. The impression she left on her family, as a person who lived in a very deliberate way what she believed, will have continuing impact on her family and those who knew her well. She will be remembered as "Mom" to her friends at the Minot Air Force Base, and as "Grandma" to many of her friends and the staff at Cottage Grove Place who shared in her life during the years.

This World is Not My Home,
I'm just passing through,
If Heaven's Not My Home, Oh Lord what will I do?
The angels beckon me to Heaven's golden shore,
And I can't be at home in this world any more.

Funeral Service: Saturday, September 6, 2003, 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church, Minot, ND

Visitation: Friday, September 5, 2003, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thompson Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND. The family will be present at the visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Burial: First Lutheran Cemetery, Carpio, ND

Officiant: Rev. Nathan Johnson

Music: Processional "I Love To Tell A Story"
Marv and Percy Pfenning to sing , "Just A Closer Walk"
Les Mau to sing "In The Garden"
Recessional "How Great Thou Art"
Virginia Dohms, organist

Active Pallbearers: Curtis Graff, Byron Borgen, Dale Graff, Alan Erickson, Tony Asmundson Walt Thompson, Jr.

Honorary Bearers: Marion's family, relatives and friends

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