Gloria H Erickson

In Loving Memory of Gloria Erickson (née Olson)

June 28, 1929 – January 19, 2026

Gloria was born on June 28, 1929, on a family farm in Wanderoos, Wisconsin, at the dawn of the Great Depression. She often reflected with gratitude that her family always had food on the table—more fortunate than many during those difficult years. That early experience shaped her lifelong habit of keeping a well-stocked pantry of canned goods, ensuring no one in her home would ever go hungry.

She was one of ten children raised by parents Lewy and Mollie Olson: Willie, Donald, Arvid, Audrey, Beulah, Gloria, Knute, Emma, Sherman, and Carol. Faith and family were the bedrock of their upbringing, values Gloria carried throughout her life.

A Love Story & Family Life;   In September 1948, Gloria married the love of her life, Kenneth Erickson. They first met in high school—Ken had briefly left to serve in the Merchant Marines. The moment she saw him back at school, Gloria turned to her friend and declared, “I’m going to marry that man. ”And she did. Together they raised four children—Barbara, Keith, Gail, and Melissa—in Fridley, Minnesota. Kenneth passed away in February 2001, and Gloria missed him deeply every day after. 

A Lifetime of Work & Dedication;  Gloria enjoyed a long career in banking. She began as a part-time teller and retired in 1984 from First Bank System as a teller supervisor. She loved working in downtown Minneapolis during its vibrant heyday.

Joys & Passions;  After retirement, she poured her energy into family—especially becoming a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren: Michael, Karilyn, Ian, Christine, Nicholas, Haley, and Ryan; and great-grandmother to William and Holly. Gloria found delight in many crafts—sewing, ceramics, and more. She was an enthusiastic traveler, exploring Alaska, numerous U.S. states, countries across Europe, and even taking a memorable cruise through the Panama Canal. In her later years, she especially treasured road trips with her sisters, no matter the distance.

Her Final Chapter;  With incredible support from family, neighbors, and friends—she always said “it took a village”—Gloria lived independently in the family home until late December 2025. She then entered hospice care. After just over three weeks, surrounded by loved ones, her hardworking heart gently stopped beating on January 19, 2026.

In her final months and days, countless family members and friends visited, each one reminding her of the profound love, joy, and blessings her presence had brought into their lives.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

Gloria’s light continues to shine through her family and the lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley, at 12 PM on Wednesday, January 28. Service will follow at 1 PM. Internment at Hillside Cemetery, 2:30 PM.