Ardean Erickson

Ardean Erickson, 73 of Pelican Rapids, MN, died January 16, 2025, in his North Port, FL, home with his wife by his side. 

Ardean was born March 20, 1951, in Pelican Rapids, MN to Eddie and Louise (Schmidt) Erickson. He graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1969 and continued his education at Moorhead Technical College in sales and marketing. 

On November 6, 1971, he married his soul mate, Debra LaVoi in Mahnomen, MN. In 1970, Ardean started his career as a supervisor at West Central Turkeys in Pelican Rapids, MN. He worked as a supervisor in many departments continuing until he was Further Processing plant manager. In 1992, Ardean established Erickson Insurance Agency, Inc. and continued insurance sales until his retirement due to health issues. In September 2021, he was diagnosed with an aggressive non-cancerous brain tumor. He fought a courageous battle for over three years.

Ardean was able to make friends with anyone and valued every friendship. He had a kind heart and was always the first person to offer his help. He enjoyed spending his free time doing home projects, woodworking, and making smoked sausage. When his health started failing, he found a love for baking bread and sharing loaves with friends. Ardean and Debbie enjoyed spending winters in Florida.

Ardean is survived by his wife Debbie of 53 years; daughter Trista (Joe) Yeutter; grandchildren Aceton and Aly Yeutter; nephews Bill (Bonnie) Erickson, Bob (Adela) Erickson, Richard (Missy) Erickson, Greg (Jenni) Erickson and Brad (Sage) Erickson; nieces Carol (Lenny) Treinen, Sherry (Scott) Teberg, Lori Booth; brothers-in-law Gary (Diana) LaVoi, Keith (Rita) LaVoi; sister-in-law Colleen Oliver. 

Ardean was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Louise, brother and sister-in-Law, Lloyd and Marjorie Erickson; nephew Eddie Erickson; father and mother-in-law, Eugene and Caroline LaVoi; brother-in-law Lelon Oliver.

A visitation and memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will be from 9:30 am – 11:00 am with the memorial service at 11:00 am.