Arvid Erickson
d. August 15, 2016
Arvid A. Erickson was born on July 2, 1919, near Paynesville, MN, the son of Axel and Annabelle (Underhill) Erickson. He grew up in that area and later in his adult life he converted to the Catholic faith and was an active member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Granite Falls.
On March 11, 1942 Arvid enlisted in the US Army. He married Gladys McFarland on Oct. 21, 1942. He served as a WWII medic in the 407th Medical Battalion stationed in the South Pacific. He assisted in emergency surgery and spent many long hours comforting injured soldiers during their convalescence. He helped build a hospital for General MacArthur’s headquarters in New Guinea and was present during MacArthur’s famous return landing in the Philippines. He authored an autobiography based on his military experience and spoke frequently at local schools, was an active and proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also organized his Army unit’s reunions and among his favorite memories was a trip to the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C. He was a fine example of the dedicated and hardworking citizens who are known as The Greatest Generation. They are now the subject of honor and remembrance at the Fagan Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls. He appreciated the value of a good education and earned his GED at the age of 65. He was the recipient of the Good Guy Award for his caring ways and making a positive difference in so many peoples’ lives.
Arvid was well known for his creativity and ingenuity. He invented solutions to mechanical problems and his artistic creativity in woodworking, holiday figure displays, gag gifts, embroidery and other items is showcased in his Krude Krafts by Arvid collection. He was an accomplished harmonica player and was proud of his Swedish heritage. He enjoyed Ole & Lena Days in Granite Falls, fishing, golfing, gardening and going on digs with his metal detector. He also liked to spend time at Prairie’s Edge Casino and share stories with his many friends during morning coffee.
Arvid’s greatest love was his family. He worked hard during his life at several manufacturing jobs to support them. He was called peacefully from this life on Sunday August 14, 2016 at the Granite Falls Manor. He was 97 years of age.
Surviving family include his children- Nancy Erickson (& Mike Andre) of Bellevue, WA, Mary (& Keith) Bergo of Montevideo, MN, Jane Erickson of Granite Falls, MN, Jeff (& Dan O’Brien) of Minneapolis, MN and Tom (& Tammy) Erickson of Princeton, MN; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his war bride of 60 years- Gladys (in 2002); and five siblings- John, George, Bernard, Carol & Ladorna.
On March 11, 1942 Arvid enlisted in the US Army. He married Gladys McFarland on Oct. 21, 1942. He served as a WWII medic in the 407th Medical Battalion stationed in the South Pacific. He assisted in emergency surgery and spent many long hours comforting injured soldiers during their convalescence. He helped build a hospital for General MacArthur’s headquarters in New Guinea and was present during MacArthur’s famous return landing in the Philippines. He authored an autobiography based on his military experience and spoke frequently at local schools, was an active and proud member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also organized his Army unit’s reunions and among his favorite memories was a trip to the WWII memorial in Washington, D.C. He was a fine example of the dedicated and hardworking citizens who are known as The Greatest Generation. They are now the subject of honor and remembrance at the Fagan Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls. He appreciated the value of a good education and earned his GED at the age of 65. He was the recipient of the Good Guy Award for his caring ways and making a positive difference in so many peoples’ lives.
Arvid was well known for his creativity and ingenuity. He invented solutions to mechanical problems and his artistic creativity in woodworking, holiday figure displays, gag gifts, embroidery and other items is showcased in his Krude Krafts by Arvid collection. He was an accomplished harmonica player and was proud of his Swedish heritage. He enjoyed Ole & Lena Days in Granite Falls, fishing, golfing, gardening and going on digs with his metal detector. He also liked to spend time at Prairie’s Edge Casino and share stories with his many friends during morning coffee.
Arvid’s greatest love was his family. He worked hard during his life at several manufacturing jobs to support them. He was called peacefully from this life on Sunday August 14, 2016 at the Granite Falls Manor. He was 97 years of age.
Surviving family include his children- Nancy Erickson (& Mike Andre) of Bellevue, WA, Mary (& Keith) Bergo of Montevideo, MN, Jane Erickson of Granite Falls, MN, Jeff (& Dan O’Brien) of Minneapolis, MN and Tom (& Tammy) Erickson of Princeton, MN; 5 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his war bride of 60 years- Gladys (in 2002); and five siblings- John, George, Bernard, Carol & Ladorna.
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