R. Elaine Erickson

R. Elaine Erickson of Milan died on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at her home at the age of 87.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in Milan. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.

Ruth Elaine (Hegg) Erickson was born on August 12, 1939, in rural Milan to Tosten and Martha (Hjelle) Hegg. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo. Elaine attended elementary school in Milan through second grade and then continued her education in Montevideo, graduating from Montevideo High School.

Following graduation, Elaine attended Augsburg College in Minneapolis, where she studied mathematics. On September 3, 1960, she was united in marriage to Richard A. Erickson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo. The couple first lived near Minneota, Minnesota, before settling on a farm west of Big Bend in 1966. Elaine and Richard were blessed with four children: Greg, Mark, Sandra, and Scott.

Elaine was a member of Kviteseid Lutheran Church and, in her early years, was active in the church, including teaching Sunday school. She was very proud to attend her children’s activities and made sure they had opportunities to be involved in both school and church. She helped Richard on the farm while also finding time for sewing, baking, and gardening.

Elaine devoted more than 34 years to being her husband’s full-time caretaker. She also worked nights at Luther Haven for more than 25 years. Throughout her life, Elaine was a devoted caretaker and an encourager to those around her. Her love, strength, and dedication to her family and others will be remembered by all who knew her.

Elaine is survived by her children: Greg of Milan, Mark (Sharon) of Watson, Sandra Erickson of Montevideo and Scott (Denise) of Independence, MN; grandchildren: Kari (Jake Johnson) Moe, Martha (Ryan Ulschmid) Moe, Anna Erickson-Jeremiason, Sara Erickson-Jeremiason, Per Erickson-Jeremiason, Kaia Erickson and Luke Erickson as well as extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; grandson, Brycen Erickson; sisters: Marlene Ridens and Lorraine Knight.