Olga Erickson

Olga Erickson, 91, formerly of Northwood, North Dakota died on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction, Colorado. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church, Northwood, ND. Burial will be held in the Northwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the time of services.

Olga Bertha (Tosterud) Erickson was born May 1, 1923 at Beaver Creek Township, Steele County, North Dakota, the daughter of Elmer and Gunda (Sanda) Tosterud. She was baptized and confirmed in the Norwegian language at Goose River Lutheran Church. Olga was married to Elmer Erickson on March 26, 1951 in Crookston, Minnesota. They resided in the family home in Steele County built by her grandfather. Olga loved the farm and in her later years was able to spend summers on the farm while living near her daughter, Colleen, during the winter months. After her son, Brian, died in July 2013, she resided with Colleen in Wyoming and Colorado. She entered HopeWest Hospice on June 10, 2014 and passed peacefully on June 19, 2014.

Throughout her life, Olga loved music. As a young woman she bought an accordion, taught herself how to play, and performed at community gatherings. She made an audio recording of her playing that was treasured by her children and shared with those who rode Irene's bus. Several weeks before her death, Colleen videotaped Olga playing the accordion. Staff at HopeWest appreciated the opportunity to view this video. Olga also loved to dance, especially the Schottische.
Survivors include her daughters, Colleen Anderson of Colorado and Lynelle Erickson of Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Elmer, and son, Brian.

Clergy: Pastor Nate Nash; Casket Bearers: Don Auger, Leif Eastvold, Douglas Hannestad, Jim Ostlie, Steve Ostlie, and Lyle Sanda; Music: Marian Savage, Organist.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorials be sent to HopeWest, Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 North 12th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506.