ERICKSON, Norman Kenneth

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Wednesday, August 25, 2010 Norman Kenneth Erickson, 89, of Bozeman, Mont., formerly of Flagstaff, died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010. Born in Parker, S.D., he was the fourth of six children born to John and Ulda Erickson. His character was shaped by the love of his family, his faith, devoted teachers and the hardships of growing up on a small farm during the Great Depression. In 1943, Mr. Erickson enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended Midshipman School at Columbia University before serving 19 months in the South Pacific. During the long months of the war, he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. After the war, Mr. Erickson finished his bachelor's degree at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he met his dearly beloved Marjorie. They married in August 1949 and were one week short of marking their 61st anniversary when Mr. Erickson died. He took great delight and pride in his three children at every stage of their lives. With his love of kids and joy in their accomplishments, he was a natural educator. His career included two years as a teacher and coach in Parkston, S.D., before returning to school for a master's degree from Michigan State University. He had a career as a teacher and principal in the Glencoe, Ill., school system for 31 years, where he promoted education in art, music and drama in addition to academic subjects. He had a marvelous gift for remembering names of thousands of students -- and their siblings' names -- for years. Following retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Erickson enjoyed 25 wonderful years in Flagstaff, with the new friends they made. In Arizona, Mr. Erickson volunteered many hours gardening for his community, hospice and his church. His passions also included music (he had a beautiful tenor voice), reading and sports. He and his wife moved to Bozeman recently to be near family. Mr. Erickson is survived by his wife, Marjorie; sister Dorothy (Robert) Harum; sisters-in-law Elaine Erickson and Eleanor Erickson; children Rev. Steven (Carol) Erickson of Mount Morris, Ill., Peg (Brad) Dirckx of Bozeman, and Paul (Karen) Erickson of Mundelein, Ill.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Edwin, Clarence, John and Robert. A celebration-of-life service will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Hope Lutheran Church "for landscaping" or to the Hospice at: www.bozemandeaconess.org/foundation/. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.