Dennis Erickson

Dennis Erickson, 83, passed away June 26, 2022 at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Brainerd, MN.  He was born August 18, 1938, in Swedish Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, to Lawrence and Amy (Long) Erickson.  He grew up on a farm in Cambridge, MN, and Wheatland, ND.

Dennis graduated from Wheatland High School in 1956 and then graduated from UND with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.  He worked for JC Penney, Shell Oil Company, and for many years with Coast to Coast, and Tru Value as District Manager.  He was a longtime member of the Baxter Lions Club. Dennis drove school bus for Reichert Bus Company and drove Motor Coach buses after he retired.

While living in Alexandria, MN, he met Sandra (Olson) McDonald and they were married in October of 1972.  Dennis loved her two sons, Randy and Mark McDonald, as his own. They lived for a time in Montevideo, MN, and moved to Baxter in 1978.

Dennis and his cousin Norman Erickson were very adventurous while growing up.  This led to Dennis getting a pilot license and his own plane. Many laughs were shared while the guys were telling stories of their antics.

Dennis was available to use his mechanical skills to assist many family members and friends.  There were many folks he enjoyed visiting with over coffee and pie.

Dennis is survived by wife Sandra (Baxter, MN), son Randy McDonald (Baxter, MN), granddaughters Ashley McDonald (Austin) (Merrifield, MN), Alexis McDonald (Jeremy) (Baxter, MN), and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Marian Kays (Emerado, ND),Cathy (Tim) Lee (Florence, AZ), and Corinne (Don) Nustad (Moorhead, MN), sister-in-law Glenice Vipond (Glenwood, MN), LuWanna Olson and Shu Wa Olson; brothers-in-law Charles (Mary) Olson (Alexandria ),and David Olson (Alexandria), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Uli and Jerry Stirewalt (Brainerd), and Soma Rivera (Richard) (Fargo, ND) will also miss Dennis’ wit and guidance.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Mark McDonald, brothers-in-law Edward Kays, James Olson, and Robert Vipond.

A visitation will be held from 9-11:00 AM on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at Anderson's On Broadway, 801 Broadway Street, Alexandria, MN, with a graveside service at 11:00 AM at Kinkead Cemetery.