wendell erickson named grand marshal of 125th anniversary parade in hills june 13

Wendell Erickson, resident of Hills for 64 years, is the grand marshal of the 125th Hills Celebration Parade Saturday, June 13.  
Participating in parades is nothing new for Erickson who has been in parades for 22 years.  
He has the distinction of serving as state representative for Rock, Murray and the southern half of Nobles counties, including Worthington, for 22 years.  
While serving in the Legislature he participated in the July 4th, 1976, bicentennial parade in Worthington and participated for 20 years in the annual Turkey Day parades.
He also recalls participating in parades in Chandler, Lake Wilson, Luverne, Adrian, Slayton and Fulda.
Erickson taught agriculture in Hills-Beaver Creek High School for 17 years before being elected as state representative.  He also taught seventh- and eighth-grade industrial arts and young farmers classes.
Erickson and his wife, Catherine, have five children, Margaret, Worthington; Kirsten, Medicine Lake; Anna, Eden Prairie; Charles, Waconia; and Hans, Eagan.
In 1987 Erickson was named Hills Outstanding Citizen. He also has served on the Bethlehem Church Council and is a member of the Hills American Legion.
“I am honored to have lived and served in this community for the last 64 years,” Erickson said. “My wife and I have been blessed in many ways and have met thousands of wonderful people.”
In observance of his 90th birthday June 17, cake will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday during the evening meal at the Hills American Legion as part of the Friendship Days celebration.