Merle J. Erickson

Merle J. Erickson

  OTTAWA - Merle J. Erickson, 97, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 11:07 a.m. on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at his residence.  He was born September 14, 1923 in  Wolf Lake, MN to the late Harry and Ruth (Bjornson) Erickson.  On July 7, 1949 he married Margaret Fischer and she preceded him in death on July 13, 2009.

  Merle is survived by five children: Roger (Rita) Erickson of Fort Jennings, Gene (Roxy) Erickson of Leipsic, Gerard Erickson of Seattle, WA, Leon (Mary Lou) Erickson of Defiance, and Mary (Richard Stever) Erickson of Mesa, AZ; ten grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a sister:  Arlue Ostrem of Fargo, MN.

  Merle is also preceded in death by his brothers and sister:  Harvey (Enita) Erickson, Marshall (Marie) Erickson and Mercille (Martin) Fellbaum; and brother-in-law:  Ernest Ostrem.

  Merle served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.  He retired from the railroad and after retirement worked for Dorrow Mink Farm in Ottertail, MN.  He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Ottawa Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and shopping at flea markets. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" 2 Corinthians 5:8.  Our hearts are forever broken, but the reunion between Merle and Margaret had to have been beautiful. The world will never be the same as this 97 year old man brought more love, kindness and selflessness than anybody we have ever known. He expressed his love in blessings effortlessly.

  Funeral mass will be 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2021 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Father Rick Friebel officiating. In keeping with the social distancing guidelines, a visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at the church until the time of service. Due to regulations regarding COVID-19, masks will be required upon entering the church. Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Frazee MN with military rites.  There will be a one hour visitation prior to the burial at Furey Funeral Home, Frazee, MN.  

 Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

 Memorial donations may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Capital Campaign or Putnam County CAP.

 Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com