Orville Erickson

Orville George Erickson, 94, formerly of Fargo, ND, died Thursday, October 6, 2016, at Mayfair Assisted Living Home in Mesa, AZ.
Orville was born February 22, 1922, in Galesburg, ND, to Edward and Betsy (Sannes) Erickson. He went to Greenfield Country School and Galesburg High School, graduating in 1940. He attended Concordia College (He graduated from Mayville State in 1970.) for two years before volunteering to join the Merchant Marines in World War II. Here he learned the trade of electrician and he and his shipmates weathered severe storms, escaped submarine attacks and saw the world's port cities. Orville loved his country and the freedoms its flag represented. That love remained throughout his life.
Farming was introduced to him by his father. When he returned home after the service, Orville had opportunity to purchase acreage adjacent to the family farm. During the time of clearing the land, building a house and just starting his farming profession, he met Anita Unruh while attending meetings at Absaraka Camp. Anita was an elementary teacher in middle North Dakota. Even though the distance separated them, this did not stop Orville from pursuing her. He piloted a small plane and this would enable them to keep this relationship growing. They were married June 3, 1949, and together established this farmstead by Hunter, ND, as their home. Here they raised four children: Serene, Jeanene, Lorene, and Paul. In the spring of 1998 they bought a condo and moved to North Fargo. Orville still was farming, but the main responsibility was handed over to his son, Paul. Orville and Anita were blessed with many winters in Arizona where they were able to enjoy the fellowship of family, other snowbirds, and new friends. In the fall, as soon as crops were harvested, they were on the road to Mesa.
Orville loved farming. It took a lot of time and hard work, but when things slowed down a bit, Orville enjoyed his collection of antique cars. Participation in parade events in the small towns around the area made many good stories and fun memories. He never could turn down an opportunity to play his favorite sport, baseball/softball. He cared about his family, church and community. He supported and served many organizations and causes throughout his life and to list them all would be long and boastful. However, the family knew that the dearest to their dad's heart were the opportunities he had to give and serve in the fellowship of the local church, missions (home and abroad), Christian radio, in distributing Bibles and presenting the cause of the Gideons in churches across the state.
Orville served and worshipped a great God. God used this ordinary man to do just that. His relationship to Jesus was the one steady rudder in his life, making all things possible, bringing him to places where he would have never gone and giving him the strength, courage and victory in all of life's challenges.
Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betsy; his wife, Anita; his brother, Edgar; and sister and brother-in-law, Adeline (Kenneth) Jones.
Orville is survived by his brother, Floyd (Mildred) Erickson; in-laws, Helen (Ken) Johnson, Harold (Lila) Unruh; children, Serene (Tom) Ysteboe, Jeanene (Rich) Engebretson, Lorene (Douglas) Anderson, and Paul (Bonnie) Erickson; grandchildren, Jodie (Luther) Stueland, Jay (Shannon) Ysteboe, Megan (Michael) Stutzman, Thad Engebretson, Collin (Elizabeth) Engebretson, Tyler (Krista) Engebretson, Erin (Mitch) Malone, Ian Anderson, Hannah Erickson, Rachel (Dean Langley) Silberstein, Samuel (Barbara) Silberstein; 12 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
His family expresses its sincere gratitude to Gary Herr, faithful pastor and friend; the caregivers and staff at Edgewood Vista and Prairie Chateau at Bethany on 42nd Street of Fargo and Mayfair Assisted Living Home and Hospice of Mesa. Your concern, tender care and support made all the difference in these last years of Orville's life.
Visitation for Orville will be Wednesday, from 5 PM to 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead, MN.
Funeral Service is Thursday, October 13, 2016, at 11 AM, in Bethel Evangelical Free Church, Fargo.
Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.