Irene Eleanore Erickson, 88

Irene Eleanore Erickson was born at her home in Hereim Twp, Roseau County, near Greenbush, MN. to Adam and Wanda (Wykowski) Sikorski on February 4, 1924.
Irene was the baby of nine children and was only 5 years old when her mother passed away following surgery.
She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Faith at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush. She attended school in Greenbush and graduated in 1941.
Following graduation Irene attended a teachers training program in Roseau and taught in several one room school houses where the students were almost as old as she.
Irene was united in marriage to Glenn Erickson on April 26, 1943 by Father LeMan at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush and the two made their home and raised two daughters on a farm in Soler Township, near Greenbush, before moving into Greenbush in 1958.
At this time she accepted a job at St. Thomas Catholic School in International Falls, MN.
A few years later she moved to the Falls Elementary School System and remained there until her retirement in 1986.  
Although commuting from Greenbush to the Falls was difficult she hardly  ever missed a weekend home with her family.
It was also in these years she decided to continue her education by attending summer school and night classes. She received her Bachelor of Science degree on July 16, 1965 and her Masters of Science degree on August 16, 1974 from Bemidji State College.
Glenn passed away on November 20, 1987 and Irene continued to make her home in the Greenbush community, entering the Greenbush Nursing Home in 2003, later renamed LifeCare Greenbush Manor, where she passed away on November 25, 2012 at the age of 88 years, 9 months, and 21 days.
Irene was a member of St. Anne’s Sodality, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, and the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, animals, and everything in nature.
She is survived by her daughters Delphine (Joel) Graff of Greenbush and Darlene Trahan of Thief River Falls, MN. Grandchildren Monte (Cindy) Graff of Greenbush, Jodi (David) Kurtz of Apple Valley, MN., Chad (Jennifer) Erickson of Grand Forks, ND. Great
Grandchildren: Casey, Corey, and Connor Graff, Jillian and Olivia Kurtz, Justice, Michael, and Glen Erickson. Along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, parents, and granddaughter Pami Jo Graff. Son in law Alton John Trahan, Brothers: Albin, Emil, Stanley, Henry, and John Sikorski, Sisters: Julia Sikorski, twins-Emelia Gonshorowski and Amelia Pulczinski.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00AM, Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush with Fr. Luis Buitron presiding.  Jeanne Novacek was the Organist and Darcy Hasson acted as the Soloist.  Eucharistic Ministers were Jodi Kurtz and Wanda Dullum and Collette Mooney was the Reader.  Gift Bearers were Irene’s great grandchildren, Jillian & Olivia Kurtz and Justice Erickson.  Irene’s Casket Bearers were Monte Graff, Connor Graff, Casey Graff, Corey Graff, David Kurtz, and Chad Erickson and Honorary Bearers were Irene’s granddaughter and great grandchildren.  
Visitation was held after 6:00PM, Friday, at the church with a prayer service at 7:00 and Rosary following led by St. Anne’s Sodality.
Visitation was also held one hour prior to services at the church.
Interment services were held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery following services.
Arrangements were with Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush.
An online guest book is available at www.collinsfunerals.com