Milton Erickson

Esmond

Andrew Milton Erickson died peacefully March 17, 2023 at St. Aloisius Care Center in Harvey, ND surrounded by his family. Milton was born on September 16, 1930, to Andrew and Freda (Smith) Erickson on the family farm in Isabel Township where he lived his life until moving to St. Aloisius on February 1, 2023.

Many Swedish immigrants settled in the Isabel township community, including Milton’s father who immigrated at the age of 14, and his grandmother who was pregnant with Milton’s mother as they journeyed from Sweden. Milton was very proud of his Swedish heritage, but recently when DNA tests became popular, he was surprised to learn he wasn’t 100% Swede. Many teased him about this and then you’d see that boyish grin and giggle that we all loved. He was known as one of the “Isabel Swedes.” Milt and Darlene visited Sweden and Norway in 2003, and have always had an interest in their heritage.

Milton attended the Isabel school through 10th grade, then Benson County Agricultural and Training School in Maddock where he graduated in 1948. Milt attended a farming short course at NDSU in 1959. He was a lifelong learner and loved reading, meetings, and most recently took an online Norwegian language class with Darlene.

Milt was a scrappy guard in basketball. He played at Isabel, BCATS, and later, independent ball. His children and grandchildren heard many times how “games are won and lost at the free throw line.” Milt enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren as they participated in sports and other life events.

Milton found a life partner in his wife, Darlene Liudahl of Maddock. They met at a summer dance in the Maddock Opera House. They went on 9 dates in 3 years, and were married on December 31, 1963. Darlene added additional color to his life. They spent their life on the 3rd generation Erickson farm where they raised three children: Holly, Ron, and Beth. Milt never hesitated to share how his children and grandchildren were the best things that ever happened to him.

Milt’s lifelong farming partner was his brother, Kenny. Milt said they only disagreed a few times during their 60+ years of farming together. Milt and Kenny farmed with their father until their father’s retirement. They eventually partnered with Ron, continuing the family farm. Milton and his family milked cows until the early 1970’s, and continued to raise beef cattle and small grains. Kenny was the mechanic, Milt was the bin climber and book keeper. Additionally, Milt worked for Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) where he did bin and field measurements.

Family, friends, farming, Farmers Union, community, cooperatives, animals, and ice cream were some of Milton’s favorites. His visits with family and friends were never often or long enough. After community events, Milt would be found visiting with friends or putting away the chairs and tables. Milt was ever “the helper.”

Milt had a passion for his community and believed in hometown shopping. He believed in the power of cooperation, education, and legislation: the three sides of the Farmers Union triangle. Milton also believed that neighbors and relatives can work together in partnership, the power of being a member/owner/patron of cooperatives and grassroots legislation.

Milt thought that dogs were man’s best friend and any dog was good therapy for him. Milt loved good food and had a good appetite, especially when his sister Sylvia was cooking. Milt was a nurturer by nature of people, animals, and the land. He had a kind heart, generous soul, and a concern for others. Milt thought he was rich in family and friends.

Milton was active in Vasa Lutheran Church and choir until its closure in 1958, and then Immanuel Lutheran, rural Esmond serving in various church board positions. He was the Benson County Farmers Union Sec./Treas. for 23 years and served on the Benson County ASCS board. Milt attended Toastmasters where he made lifelong friends with members. He also bowled with the Isabel Farmers Union bowling team until the Bowling Alley closed, actively participated in the Maddock Economic Development Corporation, the Maddock Wildlife Club, Maddock Farmers Union Oil Co. board, the Maddock Public School board, the Maddock Community Center board, and served as the judge for the Democrat party in Benson County elections.

Milton is survived by his wife, Darlene and four-legged companion, Soot; children Holly (Rob) Arnold of Minot and Beth (Rick) Olson of Maddock, grandchildren Andrew Arnold of Bismarck, ND, Annika Arnold (Matthew) Biegler of Fargo and Megan Olson (Mathias Follman) of Maddock; his “more than wonderful” sister, Sylvia (Curt) Benson of Laporte, MN; sisters-in-law Audrey Liudahl, Betty Liudahl, Beaulah Sears and Arlyce Liudahl; brother-in-law, Robert Liudahl; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Milton was preceded in death by his son Ron (2009) who took a piece of his heart when he died in an airplane crash; his parents, Andrew and Freda (Smith) Erickson, his brother Kenny, half-brother Gunnar Erickson, father and mother-in-law, Theodore and Gladys Liudahl, brothers-in-law Ardell, Gordon, Lester, Roger, Kenneth, Virgil, and Mayo Liudahl and sister-in-law Gloria Liudahl Nord.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the Maddock Community Center in Maddock, ND with Pastor Cassie Borges officiating. Public visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday March 24, 2023 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock. Visitation will continue two hours prior to the service at the Community Center. A social gathering will take place immediately following the service at the Community Center. Burial will be held at the Vasa Lutheran Cemetery in rural Esmond at 5:00 PM. The family invites you to continue fellowship and food following the burial, at the Maddock Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to any local organization in Milton’s honor. Online condolences may be left at www.thenelsonfuneralhome.com. The Nelson Funeral Home of Maddock, ND is in charge of the arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 21, 2023.