Donna Erickson

Memorial services for Donna Erickson, age 88 of Wadena, will be held on Thursday, June 28th, at 11:00 AM in the First Congregational United Church of Christ with pastor Larry Hager and Orville Sauter officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren; Scott, Shawn, Sara, Heather, Chris, Erik, Nicole, Steph, Stacy, Casey and Katey. Donna passed away peacefully on June 23rd at her home, Inga's Place, in rural Wadena. It was Floyd & Donna's request that their ashes be combined and the interment be near the memorial area at the Wadena Cemetery. Donna was preceded in death by her mother and step-father; Al and Pearl Castro; husband Floyd; brother Ross Currie; sister Phyllis Miller. She is survived by her children; John (Mary) Erickson of Wadena, Jill (Bill) Schaefer of Ottertail, Jodi (Mark) Miksche of Long Prairie and Jeri (Don) Scheller of Wadena; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Donna was born on March 11, 1919 to Ray & Pearl (Higgins) Currie in Glasston, ND. When she was two her family moved to Wadena. Her father left the family when Donna was seven. Donna referred to her high school days as hard working and fun. She loved to recount her days of hitchhiking to Perham, Staples and Park Rapids in her leather jacket, high leather boots and jodifers, and the time she climbed the old Wadena water tower on a dare. She was also a cheerleader for all sports from her sophomore year on and was especially proud that her senior year of 1936 won the state basketball tournament. She also played on the girls basketball team. Donna worked at the Barrel (root beer stand), Hammergrens Drug Store (soda fountain), and Penneys. In later years she worked at Vollies dress shop and the S & L department store. On June 29, 1941 Donna married Floyd Willard Erickson in Sisseton, SD. Shortly after their marriage Floyd was drafted into WWII. Donna followed him to Sheppards Field in Texas and then to Travis Air Base in California. After the war they made their home in Wadena. Donna was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Floyd passed away in November 1991. That year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Donna loved to listen to the Twins, dance and play cards. She thoroughly enjoyed her family and grandchildren. She was a member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary. She will be missed by all of her family.

Donna Erickson

March 11, 1919 - June 23, 2007