Lester Donald Erickson was born November 8, 1926, in Garfield Township, Lac Qui Parle County, MN to Alfred and Anna (Nelson) Erickson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Garfield Lutheran Church in rural Madison.
Lester was inducted into the United States Army on October 13, 1945. He honorably served his country until his discharge on March 6, 1947. Lester married Agnes Nyberg on August 8, 1948, at Riverside Lutheran Church in Dawson. They were blessed with four children: Steven, Judy, Scott, and Tamara.
In earlier years, Lester farmed in rural Dawson and was employed at the Dawson Grain Elevator. He was a bus owner/operator for many years, and in recent years, Lester enjoyed house renovations, fix-up projects, and lending a hand to those who called.
Lester was a long time member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had served as commander for both organizations. He was an active, worshiping member of Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed serving on church boards and hospitality committees, ushering, and delivering bulletins to those unable to attend services.
Following an 18 month battle with cancer, Lester died on Saturday, October 10, 1998, at his home, at the age of 71 years, 11 months, and 2 days.
Lester is survived by his wife, Agnes of Dawson; children: Judy (Allan) Larson of Dawson, Scott of Dawson, and Tamara (Gene) Gargiulo of Pompano Beach, Florida; five grandchildren: Christopher (Shannon) Larson, Todd (Shelly) Larson, Jesse Tollakson, Jonathon and Jourdan Erickson; and one great-grandson Ryan Larson; five sisters: Clara Odenwald, Myrtle Elm, Alyce Olson, Pearl Saboe, and Lucille Dvorak; one bother, LeRoy Erickson; mother-in-law, Borghild Nyberg; and a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Anna Erickson; one son, Steven; brothers: Elmer, Leonard, and Charles Erickson; sisters: Alma Thompson and Lilly Ryan; father-in-law, Harold Nyberg; and a host of in-laws and friends.
Lester will be remembered as a kind, loving, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Lester loved to serve, spread kindness, and encourage goodwill and happiness.