Hilda Geneva Erickson, 94

Hilda Geneva Erickson was born on December 27, 1920 in Deer Twp, Roseau County, Strathcona, MN to Gerhard and Tina (Hamness) Hanson.  She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Strathcona and attended rural country school.  Following school she worked several jobs in the Strathcona area.  She was united in marriage to Raymond Erickson on February 24, 1940, and the two made their home in the Strathcona community. In 1953 they purchased their farm where they raised livestock and crops.  She and Raymond owned and operated the Standard Oil Station in Middle River for a number of years.  Later she worked near Roseau and also for Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls where she was a lead in the sewing department.  Beginning in 1980 Hilda worked alongside Raymond in their backhoe business for many years.  Raymond passed away in 1996 and Hilda then moved into Strathcona where she worked at Paradise Café.  She was a lifetime member of Grace Evangelical Free Church where she served as a board member for many years. She served on the Strathcona City Council, the Greenwood Cemetery Board, as a member of the Strathcona Woman’s Club, and as a member of the Grace Ladies Aid.  Hilda entered LifeCare Greenbush Manor in 2013 where she resided until she passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at the age of 94 years, 8 months, and 8 days.
Hilda very much enjoyed children, dogs, baking, and feeding her birds.  She remained busy into her later years riding her 4 wheeler, plowing snow, and mowing lawns.
She is survived by 1 son Mylan (Cyndi) Erickson of New Richmond, WI, 5 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren, 1 brother Tommy (Virginia) Hanson of Greenbush, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond, 1 son Gaylord, 2 grandsons Todd and Rett, 6 brothers Elmer, Conrad, Alvin, Evan, Melvin (in infancy), youngest brother Melvin, and her sister Melvina (as a child).
Funeral services were held on at 2:00PM, Saturday, August 8, 2015 at Grace Evangelical Free Church in Strathcona with Pastor Bob Ludwig presiding.  Special music was provided by Nick Lorenson, Bob Ludwig, and Gary & Howard Hodne.  Hilda’s Casket Bearers were Gary Peterson, David Johnson, Jule Hanson, Gale Hanson, Justin Hanson, and Jordan Hanson.  Honorary Bearers were Rolland Hamberg and David Christinsen.
Visitation was held 2 hours prior to the service at the church.
Interment services were held at Greenwood Cemetery in Strathcona following services.
Funeral arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush.
An online guest book is available at www.collinsfunerals.com