Marilyn Antoinette Erickson, formerly Stenberg, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the age of 81 with loved ones at her side.
Marilyn was born on May 8, 1945, in Ada, Minnesota, to Joseph and Lenora Stenberg. She attended school in Ada before moving with her family to Moorhead, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school in 1963.
On July 11, 1964, Marilyn married the love of her life, Marcus “Marc” Erickson. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a love of the outdoors. They made their home on a farm near Erskine, Minnesota, where they lived for more than 40 years before later residing in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Upon retirement, they also enjoyed leaving the harsh Minnesota winters behind in favor of the sunny skies and desert heat of the Mesa, Arizona area.
Marilyn dedicated many years of service to Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine, where she worked as the church secretary. She later worked for the USDA as a farm surveyor until her retirement.
While living on the farm, Marilyn cultivated an impressive garden filled with everything from rhubarb to raspberries, peas to potatoes, and lilies to lilacs. She took great pride in preserving the harvest, canning vegetables, jellies, and jams, and was known for her homemade bread and delicious baking. Her kitchen was often the heart of the home, filled with the warmth of fresh-baked treats and family gatherings.
Though all three of her daughters were born within a week of one another on the calendar, Marilyn made certain that each girl had her own special birthday celebration, complete with a personalized homemade cake. She was a devoted mother who encouraged her children to pursue their interests, try new things, and become the people they were meant to be.
Throughout her life, Marilyn enjoyed many hobbies and creative pursuits. She was talented in baking, ceramics, macramé, crochet, and sewing, and she possessed a hidden talent for constructing elaborate snow forts. Yet of all her interests, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time on the water fishing with Marc.
Together, “M&M” spent countless summers at Buffalo Bay Resort on Lake of the Woods, crossing into Canada with their fifth-wheel camper and spending long days fishing from sunrise to sunset. With a packed lunch and a line in the water, they made memories that would last a lifetime. Marilyn was an exceptionally skilled angler and earned the distinction of Manitoba Master Angler five times for impressive catches of northern pike, yellow perch, and walleye. Equally treasured were the friendships she and Marc formed over the years, enjoying visits with neighbors in the gazebo and rides around the resort on their golf cart.
Marilyn will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, unwavering devotion to her family, and her ability to make every person feel loved and valued. Her gentle spirit and generous heart touched all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 62 years, Marc Erickson; her daughters, Michelle (Jeff) Funkhouser of Deer Park, Texas, Lisa Erickson (Mark Du Randt) of Grygla, Minnesota, and Tami (Josh) Vigness of Grand Forks, North Dakota; her grandchildren, Holly Funkhouser, Kelsey Funkhouser, Luther (Cheyenne) Newton V, and Marisa Newton (special friend Kevin Smith); her great-grandchildren, Luther “Little Luke” Newton VI and Henry Newton; her sisters, Dianne (Harvey) Dahl and Kathy (Ted) Torkildson; and many other beloved relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Lenora Stenberg; her parents-in-law, Ray and Berdie Erickson; her brother, Ronnie Stenberg; her sister, Joann Dahl; her grandson, Christopher Erickson; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Phil and Sharon Erickson.
A memorial service celebrating Marilyn’s life will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine, Minnesota. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, with the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery in rural Erskine. Lunch will be served afterward at Grace Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The family would like to thank all who shared in Marilyn’s life and friendship. Her legacy of love, faith, perseverance, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her.
