Jean Erickson

January 13, 1931 - September 26, 2018

The funeral service for Jean Erickson of White Bear Lake, formerly of Wadena, will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 29, 2018, at the Verndale Alliance Church in Verndale with Pastor Tony Stanley presiding. A visitation will be held at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel on Friday, September 28, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of service. Jean, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul. Jean was born on January 13, 1931 in Wadena to Harold and Jennie (Wassink) Goddard. As a child Jean grew up and went to school in the Verndale area. She continued her education and graduated from St. Cloud University with a teaching degree. On December 26, 1952 she was united in marriage to James Erickson in Sisseton, SD. James and Jean purchased a farm in Wyoming, MN, where they farmed for 22 years. In 1979 moved around, settling in Argusville, ND where they retired happily. They joined the United Pentecostal Church in West Fargo. She was a teacher for 20 years and a member of the Minnesota Education Association. While attending the U.P.C. she taught Sunday school and served as church treasurer. Together James and Jean traveled through 23 states, Canada, Mexico, and South Padre Island. In 1997, they moved to Parkers Prairie to be closer to their children. While living there they attended the Assemblies of God Church in Eagle Bend. After James passed away, Jean moved to Wadena. When her days weren’t shaping young minds, you could find Jean sewing, working on her embroidery, reading or just visiting the day away. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She lived for her family, friends, and her garden. Jean is preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents, Harold and Jennie; son, Joe and brothers, Clinton, Donald, Doug, and Francis, along with sister, Evelyn. Jean’s memory will continue on living through her children, Jeanette Mounts of Apple Valley, Julie (John) Sheridan of Minneapolis, and Jill Aurand of Perham; siblings, Sam (Norma) of Wadena, James of Mena, AR, Patricia (Allen) Cottrell of Moorhead, Lula Harne of Wadena, and Paulette Plautz of Sartell; 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Casket bearers will be Chuck Goddard, Michael Harne, Jeffery Harne, Glen Goddard, Curt Goddard, and Kevin Goddard. Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery, Verndale, MN.