Patti Erickson

Patti Joy Erickson was born October, 5 1935 to Gwendolyn (Edwards) Heininger and Joseph Heininger in Mendota, IL. She died on May 6, 2023 at Lakewood Health Senior Campus, Staples, MN.  Raised in Mendota, she had one sister, Barbara, 10 years her senior.
In high school, Patti was active in music, drama and cheerleading. A faithful friend, she remained in close contact with many special girlfriends throughout the years even when distance separated them. Upon graduating from Mendota High School, she began working at the Mendota High School Office.
Patti married Gordon R. Erickson on August 17, 1958, and they made their home in Mendota. Together they had two sons, Mark Joseph, born August 31, 1959, and Brett Walter, born December 19, 1962 (died August 31, 1984.)
Patti and Gordy worked alongside Gordy’s parents, Walter (Bud) and Caroline at Erickson’s East Side bar and restaurant. Patti enjoyed spending time with her sons and was an avid supporter of their sports activities, following them through elementary and high school, junior college (Illinois Valley Community College) and college (Winona State University.)  Patti and her family were members of First United Methodist Church in Mendota. Patti, Gordy and the boys enjoyed boating on the Illinois River on the weekends, as well as spending as much time as possible at the cabin on Roy Lake in Nisswa. She also enjoyed playing cards, participating in many card clubs. 
Upon retiring from the restaurant, Patti and Gordy relocated to Nisswa, making a permanent home on Roy Lake. For a few years, Patti worked at Woodland Nursing Home, in the kitchen and in the office. She enjoyed meeting new people and visiting with co-workers and residents. She was a very active and involved member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pequot Lakes, especially with the Women of Grace and with the church relocation/building project. She also served as secretary on the Church Council. She could often be found making pasties, organizing the annual church rummage sale, and attending weekly bible study. And of course, she found card clubs to participate in, too. Patti loved making friends and meeting people–her smile and friendship was treasured by many. She especially enjoyed time spent with her special ‘birthday friends’ from church.
As grandchildren entered the picture, Patti invested lots of time with them and loved them dearly. Most summer weekends were spent on the Gull Lake Chain with them. During the year, she could often be found at their activities and sports, a loyal fan in the stands, following their pursuits through elementary and high school and then college. Patti’s great grandchildren brought a special joy to her, and she visited them regularly, helping care for them when she was able. It wasn’t unusual to find her enjoying a board game with them, and she made a point of sharing special time with each of them. She made many wonderful memories with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren on the pontoon, exploring the Gull Lake Chain.
Patti was a MN Gopher and Vikings fan, watching and following both teams. In her later years, many hours were spent watching the Big Ten Network. She also enjoyed reading and knitting. She moved off the lake in 2015, taking an apartment in Nisswa. She continued her dedication to her family, church and friends as long as her health allowed.
In 2022, Patti was diagnosed with ALS and when living on her own became too challenging, she moved to Hills Crossing in Nisswa, followed by Lakewood Senior Campus in Staples, MN. Though living with ALS provided daily struggles, she adapted and kept her faith in the forefront. She developed close relationships with her caregivers especially those with Moments Hospice and at Staples Senior Campus.
Patti is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gwendolyn; husband Gordon; son Brett, and niece Beth (Yost) Kastner. She is survived by her sister Barbara Yost, of Pearl, MS; son Mark (Kari) Erickson of Nisswa, MN; grandson Torin (Natasha) Erickson of Milford, IA; granddaughter Anika (Joe) Adams of Janesville, MN; grandson Jorgen Erickson of Big Lake, MN; great granddaughters Jovie and Lola Erickson; great grandsons Tommy and Jimmy Adams; nephew Steve (Janice) Yost; nephew Joel Yost; niece Jennifer (Yost) Nichols; and many cousins in Illinois.
The family requests that memorials be directed to Grace United Methodist Church in Pequot Lakes or the ALS Association.
Services will be 11 AM on Friday, May 12, at Grace United Methodist Church, Pequot Lakes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.