Gary Allan Erickson

Gary Erickson passed away unexpectedly at his home in Minneapolis on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the age of 60. Gary Allan Erickson was born on December 22, 1955 to Lawrence and Wanda (Booth) Erickson in Rush City, Minnesota. Gary graduated from Rush City High School in 1974 and was an assistant art professor at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gary was a talented ceramic artist, dedicated teacher, avid golfer and fisherman, and enthusiastic Salsa dance instructor. He had a BA in Studio Arts from Hamline University and a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Alfred University in New York. Gary taught ceramics to hundreds of students at Macalester College over the past 20 years. His work was exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Galleria Oriente in Cuba. His sculpture is in many private collections, including the Smithsonian Institutes Renwick Gallery. For the past 10 summers, he studied and worked with porcelain ceramics in Jingdezhen, China. He was preparing to return this month. He had a special attachment to Brookside Resort, north of Park Rapids, where he spent many years fishing. He also appreciated beautiful gardens, and some of his art was inspired by the trees and plants around him. Gary died of advanced heart disease. Gary is survived by his mother Wanda Erickson of North Branch, brother Todd Erickson of Taylors Falls, sister Ellen Grams of Superior, Wisconsin and nephews Rob (Gina) Grams of Braham and Rick (Holly) Grams of North Branch. He is preceded in death by his father Lawrence Erickson. Reverend Laurie O’Shea will officiate a Celebration of Gary's life: 11:00 AM Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. A gathering of family and friends is planned from 5-8 PM Wednesday (5/25/16) at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City and one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place at the First Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Rush City. Memorial designations may be directed to Empty Bowls. http://www.macalester.edu/news/2016/05/macalester-mourns-the-loss-of-art-professor-gary-erickson/ Funeral arrangements for Gary Erickson are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City-Olson Chapel www.funeralandcremationservice.com