Allen Erickson, 86, rural Fertile, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday,
August 16, 2026, under the loving care of his family and Essentia Health Hospice.
Allen Roger Erickson was born and baptized on May 1, 1940, in Erskine, MN, to Arnold
and Ida (Gredvig) Erickson. He was confirmed at Little Norway Lutheran Church in
Fertile, where he remained connected throughout his life and proudly served on the
cemetery board for many years. Allen first attended Lakeview Country School before
continuing his education in Fertile, graduating with the class of 1958.
From an early age, Allen developed a lifelong love of farming while working alongside
his dad and uncle. Later he also farmed with his brother Jerry and nephew Matt. On
November 25, 1961, Allen was united in marriage to Diane Nelson at Concordia
Lutheran Church in Fertile. Together, they made their forever home on the farm and
were blessed with three children: Nancy, Liz, and Paul. In 1962, Allen joined the Army
National Guard, faithfully serving for six years while continuing his work on the farm.
Farming was more than Allen’s livelihood; it was a way of life. Over the years, he milked
cows, raised pigs, tended crops, and made sure the work was done while also bowling
and trapping. Even in his later years, he enjoyed mowing grass and cutting hay, never
one to be still for too long. Allen also started the well-known Erickson’s Sweet Corn,
giving his children and grandchildren the opportunity to work alongside him, learn the
value of hard work, and make plenty of memories along the way. Nearly 50 years later,
the family tradition continues.
Sports were another big part of Allen’s life. As a young man, he taught himself how to
pitch and went on to play in several fastpitch leagues, beginning with Maple Bay and
later playing in Crookston and Thief River Falls. Fastpitch became a family affair, with
the Ericksons heading out at least a couple of nights each week to cheer on Dad. Allen
enjoyed watching the Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves, but his greatest enthusiasm
was reserved for the Fertile-Beltrami Falcons. For more than 40 years, Allen and Diane
were familiar faces at local sporting events, selling tickets, popping popcorn, and
cheering on generations of kids. Their years of dedication were recognized with a
community service award, an honor they were proud to receive.
Later in life, Allen discovered another favorite pastime – antiquing. He had a knack for
finding little treasures and loved scouring auctions for his next great find. Weekends
often found him at the Shady Hollow Flea Market in Detroit Lakes, where he sold his
goods, visited with friends, and sometimes found a few new treasures of his own. Allen
built an impressive collection of stoneware over the years and was a proud member of
the Red Wing Collectors Society. As the years went on, Allen enjoyed sharing his
passion for antiquing with family and anyone eager to tag along, lend a hand, and learn
about the treasures he loved to find. It became a special way for him to spend time with those he loved, including his grandson Garrett, while passing along his knowledge and enthusiasm for antiques.
Allen had a lively personality and was always quick with a joke. His humor, easygoing
nature, and gift of gab helped him make many close friends throughout his life. Allen
rarely complained and had an incredibly generous heart. He worked hard, enjoyed life,
and took great pride in his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all those
fortunate enough to have shared a laugh, a ballgame, a flea market visit, or a good Ole
and Lena joke.
Allen is survived by his wife of 64 years, Diane; children: Nancy Riveland, Liz (Brian
Gunufson) Lisburg, and Paul Erickson; grandchildren: Hannah (Ross Chapa) Riveland,
Clay Riveland, Erika (Tim McWilliams) Lisburg, Garrett (Erin) Lisburg, Braiden
Gunufson, Kai Erickson, Hunter Erickson; great grandchild, Aubree Lisburg; son-in-law,
Craig Riveland; sister, Barb(Chuck) Schulstad; brother, Jerry (Jan) Erickson; and many
nieces, nephews, and special friends.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Ida Erickson, and daughter-in-
law, Kristin Erickson.
Visitation will take place from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at
Little Norway Lutheran Church, Fertile, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 PM. A
funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 28, 2026 at Little Norway
Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
