Elaine Erickson, 88, of Rushford, Minn., died January 17, 2023, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford.
Elaine Nathleen Berge was born on December 31, 1934, to Amund and Esther (Strand) Berge in Rushford Village, Minn. Elaine lived most of her life in Rushford, Minn. She went to country school in South Rushford through elementary grades and was a 1952 graduate of Rushford High School.
Right out of high school she worked as a nanny in the Minneapolis area. She then moved to Rushford again to work for Tri-County Electric where she met Darrell Erickson. On October 14, 1961, Elaine was united in marriage with Darrell Erickson at Arendahl Lutheran Church, rural Peterson, Minn.
Elaine worked at Midland Coop for a short time. She then worked at Herff Jones in the school photo department, then worked at Rushford Tax Service for 20+ years, later becoming part owner. She enjoyed having coffee with all of the Rushford tax ladies most mornings during tax season and beyond. With this schedule she was able to be home with her children in the summer and do babysitting for a few families.
Elaine was an active member of the First Lutheran Church of Highland, was a Sunday School teacher there as well as an active member of WELCA. She enjoyed being part of the Town and Country Federated Club for many years. She loved being pen pals with the 4th graders. She enjoyed working with the Girl Scouts (leader), Boy Scouts, and Saddle Club for many years. She and Darrell enjoyed camping and fishing trips to northern Minnesota. Great memories were made on a whole family vacation to Hawaii in 2004.
Elaine was a very compassionate, selfless, generous and loving person who always put the needs of others before her own.
Elaine is survived by her husband Darrell, their two children, Michele (Todd) James and Daniel (Desiree) Erickson, both of Rushford; five grandchildren: Erick (Christine) James, Matthew (Nicole) James, Reid (fiance Taylor Handrow) Erickson, Katrina James, and Blake (fiance Shana Bellock) Erickson; six great-grandchildren: Adam James, Brynlee James, MacKenzie James, Dakota James, Cooper James and Lilian James.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Willis Berge, Arnold Berge, Robert (Bobby) Berge and sister Mariam Berge, and sister-in-law Betsy Erickson Brekke.
There will be a visitation from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the 2 p.m. service on Monday January 23, 2023, at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford. Burial will be at a later date at First Lutheran Church of Highland, Lanesboro, Minn.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First Lutheran Church of Highland, Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, or the charity of your choice.