Gary Erickson, age 64, of Cambridge passed away peacefully at his home November 8, 2009 after a battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, November 12th with Chaplain Bill Steinkeofficiating at Strike Funeral Home – Cambridge Chapel. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 11th also at our Cambridge Chapel. Memorials preferred.
Gary John Erickson was born in Fosston, Minnesota to Elmer and Mary (Christensen) Erickson. He grew up in Fosston and graduated from Fosston High School in 1962. Gary continued his education at the University of Minnesota where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology. On April 7, 1973 Gary married Linda Medema in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They were blessed with the birth of their son, Sam, on July 12, 1979.
Gary worked for Cedar Creek History Area in Bethel and later at Advanced Telemetry Systems in Isanti. He then started his own business, Tractech, which he was very proud of. He loved working hard and serving his loyal customers. Gary also found great joy watching his son play basketball. Gary was so proud of his son and how he grew into a kind, loving man. Gary also loved playing guitar and singing with friends and family. Fall was his favorite time of year and he loved deer hunting with friends and family as well. Gary also enjoyed fishing, cooking and sports.
Gary J. Erickson passed away peacefully at home November 8, 2009 after a battle with cancer at the age of 64 years, 9 months and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda; son, Sam of Cambridge; two brothers, Bruce (Wilma) Erickson of Pittsburgh, California, Joel (Connie) Erickson of Salinas, California; and by other relatives and many friends.
Dear Gary, Thank you for all the years of smiles and laughter. Thank you for making feel that you were always happy to see me and that you were glad I was there. Thank you for sharing your music. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for being a part of my life. I will miss you always.
Gary, you always made my day! I worked at the drive through of Landmark Bank in Isanti for 2 years. I now work in the Ramsey location. Gary used to come through the drive through pretty much every day. I was always so happy to see him! He always had something fun to say and his smile was so contagious. My family does an Elvis show, so Gary would come through the drive through and crank Elvis music for me. He even came to see a performance. It never mattered how my day was going, when I saw Gary, my day always was brightened. He was a great man! My sympathies go out to his family. Linda, I am so sorry! Gary, your kindness and friendship will always be remembered.
Carol Marcio
Landmark Bank
Gary, throughout the twenty years that we worked together, you were always there with a smile and a friendly slap on the back. You made each and everyone of my days at work better by being a part of it. Morning breaks will not be the same without your smiles and laughter, and the afternoon breaks will be dull without your wonderful guitar music wafting down the halls. I am grateful that God allowed us to meet and become friends. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life and for letting me help your business in the small way that I was able. I shall miss you my friend. My prayers and thoughts go out to Linda and your family.
I had retired from ATS before Gary’s battle with cancer, but in the years I worked there, he was very special. He always had a friendly greeting in the hallways and fun conversation in the break room. The music from him and Bob was just delightful and something I had never experienced in the workplace before. I remember some of those quiet Saturday mornings when we worked overtime and Gary was always there. His beloved dog would come into the lab to visit us. He will be greatly missed at ATS and always remembered by those of us who knew him.
Dear Family, Brothers Bruce and Joel,
We extend our sympathy to all of you.
A number of memories surround this simple note to you—school days, hunting get-togethers, musical treats. We visited with Ila yesterday and took the old school annual along to share lots of memories. Bill got his sweet treat for the day. I think the last time we visited with Gary was at Ila’s.
You have all been in our prayers. Phyllis and Bill Malwitz
To Gary’s family and friends: I am saddened to hear about Gary’s passing and send you my deepest sympathy and best wishes. Gary was one of those individuals who could brighten the day and make people feel great. I cherish the days that I spent with Gary at Cedar Creek. I enjoyed his stories, music, and friendship. I enjoyed seeing Gary during my occasional visits to ATS—it was like time hadn’t passed. Gary was one of those warm, interesting people who one never forgets. I share your loss and cherish the great memories.