Phyllis Erickson

Phyllis A. (Leraas) Erickson, of Alexandria, formerly of Morris, MN, passed away Friday, April 22, 2011 at Knute Nelson. Phyllis was born July 12, 1920 to Elvina and Ben Leraas in Barrett, MN. She graduated in 1938 from Barrett High School and attended St. Cloud State University. On March 1, 1941 Phyllis married Harvey Erickson of Morris. The couple made their home in Morris where they were blessed with five children. Phyllis was a fantastic seamstress. She made dresses for her daughter and suits for her boys. Although she could have been a professional seamstress she chose not to; she said ?getting paid takes all the fun away?. Phyllis was also an excellent cook and was known for her large fried chicken dinners. She enjoyed the outdoors and liked taking very long walks through the countryside. She kept a large vegetable garden and also did flower gardening. In 1979 Phyllis and Harvey moved to Alexandria. Phyllis became an active member of First Lutheran Church. She spent many hours as a volunteer at the Douglas County Hospital. Phyllis loved her grandchildren and often traveled to spend time with them. She was very proud of her children. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; two sisters, Marcy Oswad and Darlene Homuth; four brothers, Ervin, Gordon, Del and Marvin Leraas; and one son-in-law, Tom Schmitt. She is survived by her children, Richard Erickson and wife, Susan, of Riverside, CA, David Erickson and wife, Mary, of Brooklyn Park, MN, Marcia Gae Schmitt of Alexandria, Craig Erickson and wife, Celeste, of Brooklyn Park, and Jay Erickson and wife, Felicia, of Christ Church, New Zealand; sister, Wanda Haldorson of Glenwood, MN; and sister-in-law, Jac Leraas of Tuscaloosa, AL; ten grandchildren; one great grandson; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, April 30, 2011 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Marilee Bergerson will officiate. Randy Morken and Jim Quackenbush will provide music. Interment will follow in the Kinkead Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.