Lyla Erickson

Lyla Aster (Evenson) Erickson, 97, passed away at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Brainerd, MN on November 15, 2011. Services for Lyla will be on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 11:00AM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Remer, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Remer, MN.

She was born in Walker, MN on Oct. 12, 1914 to Henry and Marie Evenson. Her family was one of the first white settlers in Northern MN after the turn of the 20th century. She had 4 brothers and 3 sisters that were very close throughout their lifetime. She is survived by one brother, Homer, Torrance, CA.

Lyla married Lewis Erickson on June 10, 1933 on the family homestead in Walker, MN. They made their home in Boy River, were Lewis and his brother owned a garage. Lyla ran the grocery store and the post office. In 1943, they moved to Remer and started the Ford garage and gas station. In 1964, they built the L and L Drive Inn. Lewis passed away in 1978 and in 1994, Lyla moved to Brainerd to be close to her daughter, Tammy.

Lyla is survived by two sons, Gaylord (Eric)(Del) of Fremont, WI., Sydney (Eve) of Los Altos, CA., one daughter, Tamra of Brainerd, MN., two granddaughters, Dawn (DeBoer) Fisher (Tom), Dena (DeBoer) Storm (Mike), six grandsons, Jeff (Mia), Steven (Amy), Michael (Donna), Guy (Toni), Eugene (Joanne), Gaylord (Gayn) (Trisha), fourteen great grand children, five great great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Marie; husband, Lewis; three sisters, Agnes, Laura, and Helen; three brothers, Oral, Harris, and Milton.

Lyla was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Remer, and she loved quilting with the ladies aid at the church. Her favorite pastime was playing cribbage or 500 and she won her share of cards. Her grandson, Guy, named her "Grandma Sweetcheeks" because his son said she had such sweet cheeks! Everyday she made sure her makeup and her jewelry was on. Lyla enjoyed time with her family and friends. She was very happy visiting relatives that came from all parts of the United States to attend the Evenson family reunions. These reunions were held every five years on the old Evenson homestead near Walker. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or Heartland/Home Care and Hospice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.

We love you and your family and friends will miss you.