Loraine Erickson

Loraine was born November 24, 1928, in Chippewa Falls Township to John and Malene (Iverson) Simonson. The family moved to Alexandria, where she graduated from Alexandria High School. She earned her Nursing LPN diploma in March 1947 and started at St Luke Hospital in Alexandria. After Douglas County Hospital was built, she transferred there and worked for 33 years. In the spring of 1956, she met the love of her life and married Walter Erickson on November 10, 1956. They loved each other deeply until Loraine was widowed when Walter passed away on May 26, 1977.

Loraine was a great cook and loved cooking huge meals for extended family and friends which usually ended with her signature dessert, apple pie. Her favorite activities were the family vacations and ensuring everyone that she deeply loved them. Other interests included camping, fishing, playing Whist, reading, spending time with animals, and helping wherever needed at church activities at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria where she was baptized, taught Sunday school, was married and raised her children.

Loraine was very passionate about her walk in the Lord. She loved with the heart of Jesus. Loraine loved talking about heaven and going home. She loved sharing Bible readings, and always made sure you knew she loved you and Jesus loved you.

Loraine moved to Willmar to be near her youngest son, David. She lived in Copperleaf Assisted Living until she had a fall, then moved to Bethesda Grand for additional care.  For the past few years, Loraine kept busy with card playing (especially Whist), puzzles, and many activities at the healthcare facility.

Loraine was ushered into heaven on Friday, February 5, 2021 as a resident of Bethesda Grand/Carris Health-Rice Hospice in Willmar.

Loraine is survived by children: Bill (Dawn) Erickson, Alexandria, MN and Margaret White, St Paul Park, MN; grandchildren: Melissa Erickson, Emmaus, PA, Travis (Amber) Erickson, Nelson, MN, Michael Erickson, Cedar City, UT, Kenneth White, Maplewood, MN, Jonathan White, Bellevue, NE, and Isabelle Erickson, Osakis, MN; great-grandchildren: Brooklynn, Jocelynn, and Raelynn.

Loraine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Walter; her son: David; and 3 sisters: Bessie, Jenora and Mildred.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria. This service will be live-streamed and recorded for family and friends to view from Loraine’s obituary page on the Anderson Funeral Home website. A visitation will take place on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and for one hour prior at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, MN.