John T. Erickson, 88, passed through death on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, with family by his side. He was born on August 29, 1934, in La Crosse, Wis., to Thelma (Martinson) and Ronald Erickson. John grew up in Peterson, Minn., graduating from Peterson High School in 1953. Three days later, he started work at Trane Company as a laborer and later became a supervisor. He worked there for 47 years, retiring in 2000. John served in the Army for two years and was stationed in Germany for 18 months. John met the love of his life, Darlene Franke, at the Plamore Ball Room in Rochester, Minn. They were married two years later in Kasson, Minn. Together they lived in Hokah and then La Crescent. They would have been married 56 years in August.
During retirement, he was able to devote more time to his passion and interest in history and genealogy and was instrumental in starting the Peterson Station Museum. John and Darlene enjoyed traveling; visiting Norway three times. He was active in Sons of Norway and belonged to many historical societies in the area.
John is survived by his wife Darlene, brother Ronald (Rose Ann), a sister, Judy Solie; nieces and nephews Karen (Ron) Wilke, Susan (Brian) Fiegen, Kristi (Kevin) Knutson, Jennifer (Randy) Bergman, Jon (Kendra) Solie, Steven (Vicki) Erickson, Ann Zenk, and Jim (Becky) Erickson; and many great and great-great-nieces and nephews in addition to Darlene’s extended family. John touched the lives of many.
John was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and a special aunt, Agnet Martinson.
The family wishes to thank the Gundersen Pulmonary Care Staff for the wonderful care for John.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent, Minn. The family wishes memorials be designated to the Peterson Station Museum or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.