Skip to main content

Arvid Erickson

Lead Summary

Arvid A. Erickson, 97, Granite Falls, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, at the Granite Falls Manor.
A funeral and burial were Friday, Aug. 19, at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Granite Falls.
Arvid Erickson was born July 2, 1919, to Axel and Annabelle (Underhill) Erickson near Paynesville. He grew up in the Paynesville area. 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 U.S. Army. He married Gladys McFarland on Oct. 21, 1942. He served as a World War II medic in the 407th Medical Battalion stationed in the South Pacific. 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.
Arvid authored an autobiography based on his military experience. He was an active 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 World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.
Arvid 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 people’s lives.
Arvid enjoyed inventing solutions to mechanical problems and creating woodworking, holiday figure displays, gag gifts, embroidery and other items. 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.
He is survived by his children, Nancy Erickson (Mike Andre), Bellevue, Washington, Mary (Keith) Bergo, Montevideo, Jane Erickson, Granite Falls, Jeff (Dan) O’Brien, Minneapolis,  and Tom (Tammy) Erickson, Princeton; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gladys; and five siblings; John, George, Bernard, Carol and Ladorna.
Arrangements were by Wing-Bain Funeral Home of Granite Falls, www.wingbain.com.
 (0825 F)

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.