Irene Erickson

Irene Evelyn Erickson was born August 17, 1923, the daughter of Ruggles and Philena (Seekins) Sanders. She grew up on the east side of St. Paul and graduated from Harding High School. Irene received her Registered Nurses training at Bethesda Hospital and was a member of the Nurse Cadet Corps. The war was ended before she entered active duty. On February 14, 1948 Irene was united in marriage to Waldo Erickson in St. Paul. She was a private nurse and homemaker for 20 years. When Waldo became ill, Irene enrolled in a nurse refresher course and worked at the Springfield Community Hospital for 18 years. She was active at St. John's Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, and was involved with quilting and the ALCW. Irene and Waldo wintered in Arizona for 10 years where Irene organized a quilting group that served Youth Haven Ranch for underpriveleged children for 8 years. She enjoyed reading, doing things for her family, and loved serving others through nursing and following the lives of many of those she helped. Irene Evelyn Erickson died Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at the Springfield Medical Center. Survivors include husband- Waldo of Springfield; sons- James and wife Nancy Erickson of New Ulm, Mark and wife Deb Erickson of Donnelly, George and wife Jan Erickson of Springfield, Lee and wife Gail Erickson of Mountain Lake, and Bill and wife Peggy Erickson of Blue Earth; 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; brothers- Richard and wife Joyce Sanders of Lake Elmo, and Phil and wife Mary Sanders of Stillwater; and special niece- Karen and husband Andy Fashant of Annandale. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter- Linda Irene Erickson; and sister- Jean Jansen.