Vivian Mary Erickson
Vivian Mary Erickson, age 91, of Bird Island, died Saturday, May 15, 2021, at the Olivia Hospital. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Bird Island. The Rev. Joseph Carpenter will officiate. Burial will be in the Bird Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday one hour prior to the services. Masks will still be required for the visitation and funeral service.
A livestream of the service will be available to view on Friday, May 21st at 11:00 am. by clicking on the following link. https://my.gather.app/
Vivian Mary Erickson was born in Brainerd, Minnesota on February 3, 1930, the youngest of 12 children, to Oliver and Hannah Mary (Olson) Peterson. She grew up in Brainerd and graduated from Brainerd High School. She was united in marriage to Robert C. Erickson on January 29, 1951, in Brainerd. Following their marriage, Vivian and Robert moved to the Erickson family farm in Kingman Township and they farmed and raised their family. Vivian never had her driver’s license so after Robert passed away, she decided if she was going to stay on the farm she needed to learn to drive. At the age of 64 she passed her exams with flying colors. In the 1980’s, Vivian also worked with Tri Valley Preschool and she truly loved working with the children. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Bird Island and enjoyed serving with the United Methodist Women and singing in the church choir. She also served on the Renville County Food Shelf Board for over 20 years. She also loved to paint, bake and sew in her spare time. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and was the family prayer warrior, always starting her day praying for her family’s needs.
She is survived by her sons and daughters and their spouses: Bob (and LuMae) of Willmar, Jeff (and Mary) of Bird Island, Dennis (and Mary Jo) of Bird Island, GayJean (and David) Knutson of Forest City, Iowa, LeAnn (and Paul) Gass of Bird Island, Dean (and Kim) of Olivia, Jill (and Troy) Mogard of Gaylord, and Kent (and Leah) of Mankato; 23 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; her sister-in-law Mary Peterson of Brainerd, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Oliver and Hannah, her husband Robert, and her 11 siblings.
Blessed Be Her Memory
Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN
