Vern L. Erickson, Fertile, MN, was called home on June 4, 2015 at the age of 96, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile.

He will be remembered for his kind, gentle spirit, his sense of humor, his inventive and creative mechanical abilities, strong work ethic, and loyalty to his family and friends.

Vern was born in Noonan, ND on August 22, 1918 to C. Martin and Minnie Erickson. He grew up with one sister and four brothers, living in various mining towns in North Dakota, eventually moving to Moorhead MN, and as a teenager settling on a farmstead southeast of Fertile. Vern was just 17 years old when his dad died, so he assumed many of the farm responsibilities at a young age. He was a lifelong farmer and had a passion for raising cattle. Along with his brother, Wayne, he worked the soil, cared for the livestock, and enjoyed the company of several dogs over the years. Vern continued raising cattle after Wayne's untimely death in 1997. He officially retired in 2007 and sold the cattle.

Vern's main outdoor passions were ice fishing and deer hunting. His fishing trips included Canada as well as Alaska.


Vern was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church and also served on the Sundal Township Board for many years. As Vern's health declined he began attending Adult Daycare at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, eventually becoming a resident there in 2010.

Vern is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mildred Dow, and his brothers Willard, Roland, Roy, and Wayne Erickson.

Funeral Service: 10:30AM Friday, June 12, 2015, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile.

Visitation: One hour before the funeral at the church.

Burial: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fertile.