Norton Jervis Erickson

Norton Erickson was born in Decorah, Iowa on August 28, 1920 to Gena and Harry Erickson. His parents and siblings settled on a farm in the Albert Lea area. Norton finished the eighth grade and left school to help his parents farm; a common practice at that time. At 18, Norton got a job at Brown Tank in Minneapolis. Drafted shortly thereafter into the U.S. Army during WWII, he was injured while serving in the Aleutian islands. Following his recovery in Prince Rupert, BC, Norton completed his military service as an Army Engineer in Washington state. Norton made his home in New Brighton with his wife Lucille and children. They later divorced and Norton married Thelma Lundeen in 1955. They lived a busy and happy life in New Brighton raising their sons. In 1986, Thelma and Norton moved to Harris, where Thelma had grown up. In 1990, Thelma tragically died in a house fire. Norton married Ruby Balfanz in 1991 and they enjoyed many happy years together, traveling south for winters to visit friends. They enjoyed going to barn dances and life with friends and family. Ruby died in July of 2014. Norton continued to live at home independently with the help of Larry and Norton's friends. Recently, Norton and Larry had an opportunity to go to Washington D.C. on the WW II Honor Flight. It was a life changing trip full of memories for both he and Larry. Norton was very moved and talked of it up to the time of his death. During his lifetime, Norton was an inventor, had many inventions produced and owned and operated Waterproofing Incorporated and Brighton Sandblasting both in New Brighton, MN. He was active in his church, the Harris American Legion, Krause-Hartig VFW in Spring Lake Park, the Masonic Lodge and the Eagles. He also volunteered his time on the Harris Park Board. Norton had a big and generous heart who touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all. Norton is survived by his son; Larry (Shari) Erickson of North Branch, step-children Harry (Kay) Erickson of Cedar, Steve (Jan) Balfanz of North Branch, Darline (Bruce) Campbell of Brook Park, Connie (Neal) Sederberg of Harris, Smokey (Patty) Balfanz of Sunrise, DeeDee (Mike) Still of Harris, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, brothers Dale Erickson of St. Paul, Glenn (Diane) Erickson of Maple Grove, many nieces and nephews, special friends Don & Marie Cardinal, Jerry & Linda Williams all of Harris and his special pets Angel and Daisy. Norton was preceded in death by his parents Harry & Gena (Ramsey) Erickson, wives Thelma (Lundeen) Erickson, Ruby (Balfanz) Erickson, son Wayne Erickson, step-son George "Butch" Bartlett Jr., sister Mae Christiansen and brother Art Erickson. Norton died Friday evening (5/1/15) at his home in Harris at the age of 94 years. Rev. Caroline Harthun will officiate a funeral service for Norton; 10:30 A. M. Friday (5/8/15) at the First Lutheran Church of Harris (6481 438th St.-Harris) with a time of visitation and reviewal Thursday evening from 5-8 P.M. at the Olson Chapel in Rush City. Casket bearers will include David Erickson, Terry Erickson, Todd Crooks, Gregg Christiansen, Chad Balfanz and Tom Deiss with the interment in Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids at approximately 2:00 PM Friday (11800 University Ave NE, Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763) 755-1700) Funeral arrangements for Norton Erickson of Harris are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City~Olson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com