John J. Erickson

John J. Erickson age 71, of Cavalier, ND passed away October 27th 2008, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND due to complications of diabetes. Memorial service will be held Thursday, October 30, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation on Wednesday, October 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jensen-Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Burial in the Paradise Memorial Gardens, Scottsdale, AZ.

John was born in Garrison, ND on February 28th 1937, to Jack H. Erickson and Alice I. (Olson).

He attended grade school in Fargo, ND and graduated high school in 1954, from Cavalier, ND. In 1958, he graduated from UND and was the president of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church in Cavalier.

John married Joanne Switzer on August 5th, 1958, and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife and their four children, Randy (Susan) of Mandan, ND, Lynn (John) Hartje of Rapid City, SD, Linda of Scottsdale, AZ, John Jay (Ann Tongen) of Cave Creek, AZ and four grandchildren, Blake, Karisa, and Chase Hartje, and Reed Erickson. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

John was a Weyerhauser Lumber Representative in Springfield, MO and a few years later formed the family owned business Erickson Lumber at Crystal, ND and Cavalier, ND. He built the original Cedar Inn Motel in 1967 and the hardware store, steakhouse, lounge, and motel addition in 1977.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean (Blaine) Vorachek, brother Ronald, and nephews Chad Vorachek and Robbie Erickson.
Clergy: Rev. Lori Broschat.
Honorary Pallbearers: Russell Kihne, Bob Kippen, Rick Letzring, Dale O'Hara, Dennis Macklem, and Bill Robbins.
Music: Stan Simons, Soloist and Lois Coggon, Accompanist.