Barbara Diane Erickson

Barbara Diane Erickson passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at age 75, on hospice at HIA Heather’s House (Fargo). Barbara was born April 15, 1950, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Harvey and Myrtle Halverson, the second of seven children. Her early years included several moves before the family settled in Pillager, where she graduated in 1968. She attended vocational school in Brainerd for bookkeeping, where she met Landis Keith Erickson. Though she initially hid from him when she knew he planned to ask her out, she soon relented. After three months of dating, they were engaged, and four months later, married on October 3, 1969.

Barbara and Landis began their life together in Brainerd before moving to St. Paul. In 1971, Landis enlisted in the Air Force, and they were stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida from 1971–1975, where their first daughter, Bridget, was born in 1974. After returning to Minnesota, they welcomed their second daughter, Veronica, in 1976 in South St. Paul. In 1979, they made their home in Pelican Rapids, where they owned and operated EZ Art Shop from 1979 to 1981, and Barbara taught a variety of craft classes, including ceramics painting, macrame, wheat weaving, and silk flower arranging. She worked many years as a bookkeeper at Skyvision in Fergus Falls and eventually for Otter Tail County Social Services until her retirement in 2015.

Barbara found her greatest joy in her family, especially her grandchildren. She and Landis spent a week each summer with them—camping, exploring, and even taking a memorable train trip to Oregon. She delighted in her backyard, filled with a variety of plants, flowers (especially roses), and garden décor.

Barbara loved her dogs, delighted in statement jewelry and colorful felt hats. She and Landis enjoyed attending flea markets and auctions, where she collected buttons and wall pockets. Christmas was her favorite holiday, often celebrated with as many as seven trees and hundreds of ornaments—sometimes left up well past the season simply because she loved them.

A lifelong crafter, Barbara expressed her creativity in many ways, but quilting was her greatest passion. She created countless quilts over the years, including comfort quilts for those facing serious illness, wall hangings, and banners for her church. Her work—and her life—was defined by bold, joyful color. She was drawn to bright, jewel tones in everything—from quilts to clothing to home décor—and she never met a metallic fabric she didn’t like.

Barbara will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. She found joy in giving, and through her creativity, generosity, and eye for beauty, she brought color, comfort, and joy to the lives of so many.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Landis; daughters Bridget (Eric) John and Veronica (Kerry) Glewwe; grandchildren Ashley, Ethan, Marissa, and Ronan John; Kayla (Richard) Lindstrom, Darren Glewwe, and Evelyn (Jack) Duclos; great-grandchild Felicity Lindstrom; siblings Joan (Steve) Zeug, Wesley (Michelle) Halverson, and Thenda Bermea; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Ronald Halverson, G. Levi Halverson, and Nancy Olson.

Services will be held on April 10th at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 101 10th Ave SE, Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will begin at 10am with the funeral service at 11am; a luncheon will follow. Interment will be after luncheon at Northwest Cemetery, 43303 180th Avenue, Pelican Rapids, MN.

To honor Barbara’s love of color, guests are encouraged to incorporate color into their attire if they wish.

In honor of Barbara, memorials may be directed to Roger Maris Cancer Center or HIA Hospice Heather’s House.