Idella Erickson was born February 18, 1922 in Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of Jens J. and Ragna (Olson) Ellingson. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Idella Erickson was born February 18, 1922 in Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of Jens J. Mandt Lutheran Church in rural Montevideo. Idella attended grade school at District #54 and graduated from Milan High School. On September 28, 1946, Idella was united in marriage to Herbert Erickson at Mandt Lutheran Church by Rev. C.T. Jensen. They were blessed with six children and 55 years of marriage. Herbert passed away in 2002. They farmed in Swenoda Township of Swift County before moving to Benson in 1962. Idella worked for the People's State Bank in Milan, the Montgomery Ward Catalogue Store in Benson, and the Swift County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Office in Benson. They were members of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Benson and Idella was active in the Sunday School, WELCA, church council and the Shepherding program. She was a member of the Sons of Norway Bjorgvin Lodge #10, the Senior Citizens groups and the Red Cross Bloodmobile. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards, dancing, all sporting events, visiting friends and volunteer work. Idella was called from this life on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at Meadow Lane Golden Living Center in Benson. She attained the age of 89 years, 2 months and 13 days. Idella is survived by her children: Larry Erickson of Waukegan, IL, Ronald (Brenda) Erickson of Maple Grove, Judy (Marlin) Ellingson of St. Louis Park, Jeffrey (Barb) Erickson of Benson, Paul Erickson of New London, and Keith (Michele) Erickson of Cottage Grove; nine grandchildren: Marie (Erik) Bedeaux, Lance Ellingson, Mary Lou, Hillary, Holly, Breanna, Baylee, Kari and Jill Erickson; five step-grandchildren: Lisa (David) Hamann, Theresa (Kraig) Kellner, Chad (Shelley) Ellingson, Andy (Genene) Dehmer, and Ben (Heidi) Dehmer; two great grandchildren, Hannah and Allison Bedeaux, sixteen step great grandchildren: Erin, Karissa, Jenae, Kynzie, Andrew, Jordan and Justin Hamann, Tyler and Brett Kellner, Melanie Gerold, Emilee and Ella Ellingson, Logan and Gavin Dehmer, and Madeline & Amelia Dehmer; her sister Sylvia (Raymond) Retrum of Benson; her brother Verdie (Norma) Ellingson of Moorhead; sister-in-law, Cecil Ellingson of Benson; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Herbert; her parents; five brothers: Julian, Orville, George, Calmer and Russell; a foster sister, Bertina; a step grandchild, Rick Ellingson; her nephew Douglas Ellingson and four sisters-in law.
