Obituary of Phyllis M. Erickson

Loving wife and mother; Phyllis M. Erickson, age 92, long time resident of St Paul, passed away peacefully on January 13th at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD. Phyllis is survived by her daughter Sharon(Bruce) Bottomley of Connecticut, son Glen(Shirley) Erickson of South Dakota, 9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and sister Lorraine (Bruce) Wick of Minnesota. Preceded in death by her husband Donald and sons Dennis and Gary. Memorials can be made in honor of Phyllis' son, Gary, to the ALS Association, MN/ND/SD Chapter. A brief graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 21st at 10am at the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetary in Minneapolis, MN. Mom was born to Frances (Scheffert) and Lewis Thur on July 28, 1924 and lived on the family farm near LeCenter, MN. She welcomed her sister, our favorite Auntie Raine, 10 years later. The Thur girls were together until Mom graduated from LeCenter High School in 1942. Her diploma and a scholarship gave Mom her first opportunity to leave the farm and she happily took advantage of it. Mom moved to the Cities to attend Rasmussen Business School where she learned shorthand and typing skills that she put to good use. During business school, she needed housing and rented an upstairs room in Connie and Ruth Erickson’s home on Desoto Street in St. Paul. While living there, she heard never-ending stories of their absolutely wonderful son, Donald, who was away serving our country in the U.S. Coast Guard. One time when he came home on leave, he met Mom. The rest is history! On Flag Day, June 14th in 1947, Dad married Mom and became the luckiest man alive. She thought she was lucky too! In 1950 Sharon came along to disturb the peaceful house. The princess was born! The three of them moved to Chicago in 1951. 1952 brought Dennis Donald. His life was all too brief. In 1955 double trouble came along in the form of Gary and Glen. No peace and quiet ever again!! In 1963 our family moved back to the Twin Cities where Dad went to work planning kitchens for Sears. Grandma and Grandpa Erickson were thrilled. Although Mom will always be remembered as a dear friend, devoted wife, and loving mother, she had a varied secretarial career ending with retirement in 1986 after 20 years with the St. Paul Public Schools. Always active in their churches and showing love for our Lord, Mom and Dad were part of the group that started Woodbury’s New Life Church. Dad (always with a lot of Mom’s help) organized numerous southern gospel quartet concerts for the Cathedrals and other musical groups. Mom was the caregiver. Caring for Dennis as he struggled in his short life. Being a short order cook and delivering the meals for her working family. Taking care of Dad at home while she could and then faithfully visiting him every day. Doing what she could for Gary—making meals and sharing her love. In 2012 she traveled to South Dakota for Thanksgiving. While Shirley (Glen’s wife) was driving Mom back to the Twin Cities, Mom confided that she would consider moving to Sioux Falls to live closer to them. We made that happen and she moved to Trail Ridge Independent Living in July of 2013 and lived there until December 20. Many good times with family, great new friends, and “to do” lists for her son were made as those 3 1/2 years flew by. Thanks to each of you for your part in this exceptional life! Glen Erickson Sharon Bottomley