Gordon Erickson

Gordon Ray Erickson (Gordy), of Nisswa, passed away September 2, 2011. He was born October 24, 1931, to Walter and Caroline Erickson of Oglesby, IL. Gordy grew up and attended school in LaSalle-Peru, IL. He graduated from LP HS in 1950 and attended LPO Jr. College, where he was a stand-out football player. Gordy entered the Marine Corps in November of 1951 and served until his honorable discharge in 1954. Upon returning to Illinois, he joined his parents in their restaurant business (Erickson's East Side) in Mendota, IL. He married Patti Heininger on August 17, 1958, and settled in Mendota, where they raised two sons, Mark and Brett. Gordy was active as a volunteer fireman for 19 years and enjoyed woodworking in his spare time. He was instrumental in starting the Mendota Junior Tackle Football League and was very involved as a sports booster. Gordy enjoyed spending time at the family lake property in Nisswa. Upon retiring, the Erickson's moved there and built a home on Roy Lake, residing there since 1991. In the last twenty years he has enjoyed living in the lakes area and has been an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pequot Lakes. He also was an enthusiastic follower of his grandchildren's activities.

Gordy is survived by his wife, Patti; son, Mark and daughter-in-law Kari of Milaca, MN; and grandchildren, Torin of Atlantic, IA, Anika of Mankato, MN, and Jorgen of Milaca.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter (Bud) and Caroline Erickson, and son, Brett W. Erickson.

Memorials to the family will be directed to Mendota (IL) Junior Tackle Football Program and Grace United Methodist Church.

Services will be 7 PM on Thursday, September 8, at Grace United Methodist Church, Pequot Lakes, with visitation two hours prior to the service.