Duane Erickson, 89, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at Essentia Hospital, Fosston, MN.

Duane L. Erickson was born on March 19, 1931 to Art and Ann (Hofstad) Erickson, Grand Forks, ND. He grew up in Grand Forks and attended school at Central High School. He joined the US Navy in 1950 and served until 1954 when he was honorably discharged. Duane lived in Chicago for a short time before returning to Grand Forks.  Duane worked at the ND State Mill and Elevator for a brief time.

Duane followed in his father's footsteps working for the railroad and eventually starting his own business cleaning box cars.

On January 30, 1959 he married Adele West in Grand Forks where they made their home and raised 3 children.

Duane's joy in life was being outdoors and working with his hands.  He had a knack for designing elaborate flowerbeds and water ponds. His favorite flower was the pink petunia, that flourished throughout the season.  He loved building things, whether it was a playhouse for his grandchildren or a house for his beloved animals, Duane always had a project.

Duane loved to visit with people.  He loved to reminisce about his Navy days and always had a good joke to tell, which was characteristic of his fun sense of humor.

He loved to visit and share coffee or a cold "Bud Lite" with family and friends at his retreat known as the "Highway 2 viewing area" in Erskine, MN. He was known as "Eggs Erickson" as he raised chickens and sold eggs for many years. He recently moved to the Country Place in Erskine, MN where he enjoyed watching the birds feed outside his apartment window.

Duane was a "snow bird", he spent the last 17 years in Mesa, AZ at the Silver Ridge Resort.  He looked forward to this time every year, working on his tan and being the "ball tender" for the water volleyball players.  He was fondly known as "coach."  Duane was lucky to have both his brothers and his special lady, Eileen, winter at the same resort.  They all enjoyed plenty of card games, lots of laughs and many "Bud Lites."

Duane is survived by his 3 children, Shane (Kristi) Erickson, Erskine, MN; Shelly (Skip) Day, Navarre, FL and Jodi Wack, Fargo, ND; his special lady, Eileen Tommervik, Bejou, MN; 8 grandchildren (Cole (Kass) Erickson, Casey (Angela) Erickson, McKalie (Brian) Gureck, Taylor Day, Kyle (Whitney) Wack, Christopher (Jordan) Wack , Alex Wack, and Mara (Adam) Yborra ; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, William "Bill" (Marilyn) Erickson, Potter, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Adele in 2002; his parents, Art and Ann; and 2 brothers, Lowell Erickson and Donald (Janie) Erickson.

**Funeral will be live-streamed at https://www.dandahlfuneralhome.com on Duane's obit page**

Visitation: 10-11 am, Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Dahl Funeral Home

Funeral: 11:00 am, Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Dahl Funeral Home

Mask are required during visitation and the funeral service.

Burial: Memorial Park South, Grand Forks, ND, following the funeral service.

Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com