Anita Louise Erickson

Anita Louise Erickson, 76, of Crookston, MN, passed away October 14, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston with family members at her side to comfort her.

Anita was born at Hallock, MN on July 28, 1946, one of six children of the union of Morris and Florence (Hill) Sjostrand. She grew up on the family farm near Hallock, and was baptized and confirmed at the Two River Lutheran Church. Anita graduated from Lake Bronson High School with the Class of 1964. A year later, on July 30, 1965, she married the love of her life, James Elgin Erickson, at Two River Lutheran Church. The church has since become part of the Kittson County Museum. Anita and Jim made their first home in Hallock, where daughter, Tina, and son, Kent, were born. In 1970, the young family came to Crookston to make it their forever home. In the coming years, sons Mark and Brad were born. Anita and Jim raised their 4 children in a loving home full of activity, laughter, and fun. For several years, Anita worked as a playground supervisor for the Carmen Elementary School. Anita was a circulation manager for the Grand Forks Herald in Crookston. She was very proud of the recognition she received from the Herald for her outstanding contributions and efforts. Anita also worked for many years in dietary services at Riverview Hospital, until retiring due to health issues.  Anita was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crookston and a past chairperson of the work and serve group. She was a strong woman who liked to be in service to others.

Anita loved her family dearly and treasured time spent with Jim and their kids, grandkids, and great- grandkids. She started her day with a smile on her face ended her day the same way. She loved cooking and baking for family and guests, gardening, and sewing. Anita never passed by a garage sale without stopping. She will be very lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all who were a part of her life.

Anita leaves behind Jim, her soul-mate and best friend of over 57 years; their 4 children, Tina (Chris) Sundeen of Apple Valley, MN, Kent Erickson of Crookston, Mark (Stacy) Erickson of Beltrami, MN, and Brad Erickson of Grand Forks, ND; 18 grandchildren (including three step-grandchildren): Alex Hoff, Sam, Isabelle, and Sean Sundeen, Christopher, Katrina, Kari, and Kaydee Erickson, Jenny and Nash Hoffman, Kristianna (Zach) Jacobson, Saige (Sonny) Canfield, Savannah Erickson, Killian (Gen) Erickson, Kaelon, Micah, Merrick, and Gavyn Erickson; 3 great-grandchildren: Gaige, Evelynn, and Morrigan Canfield; 4 siblings: David Sjostrand of Thief River Falls, MN, Danny (Laurie) Sjostrand of Argyle, MN, Donna Widerstrand of Fargo, ND, and Neil (Laura) Sjostrand of St. Cloud, MN; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Florence Sjostrand; brother, Allen Sjostrand; sister-in-law, Betty Sjostrand; and brother-in-law, Dale Widerstrand.

 Anita’s life will be celebrated at a funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Crookston, MN, with Rev. Jeff Brown officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. The funeral will be livestreamed by going to Anita’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Burial will be in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston.

Messages of condolence to Jim and the family may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com.  Memorials preferred in Anita's name to St Paul's Lutheran Church.