Verdonne “Donnie” Erickson, 92, lifelong Mabel resident, died Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Valley View Healthcare and Rehab in Houston, Minnesota.
Donnie was born December 16, 1933, in Spring Grove to Leo and Luella (Karlsbroten) Erickson. He attended country schools and later lived with Luther and Norma Onsgard. He served in the United States Army for a short time before receiving a medical discharge. Donnie hauled milk for local dairy farmers starting with canned milk and later with a bulk truck. He also was a school bus driver for many years.
On March 5, 1971, he married DeeAnn James. They lived their entire lives in Mabel. He was a member of the Scheie Lutheran Church and formerly served many years on the Mabel Fire Department. Donnie enjoyed bowling, playing cards, driving around town on the golf cart, gardening, running the chains for Mabel-Canton football games, and following the Packers and Braves.
Donnie is survived by his wife DeeAnn of Mabel, sons Aaron (Megan) Erickson and Brian (Tara) Erickson, grandchildren Ben (Monica), Brady (Lex), Brandon (Abbie), Anna (Drew), Piper, Beckham, Mylee, Rudy, and Lennon; great-grandchildren Leo, Scarlett, Archer, Oliver and Mila; sister and brother-in-law Vicki and Milford McKay, and nieces and nephews Todd, Eric, Sara, Lisa, Tom, Lynn, John, Dale and Karen.
He was preceded in death by parents Leo and Luella, a brother Norman and his wife Erica Erickson, and a sister Darlene and her husband Howie Steiner.
The funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, June 26 at Scheie Lutheran Church in rural Mabel. Burial will be in the Scheie Cemetery in rural Mabel. Visitation will be 5–7 pm, Thursday, June 25, at the Scheie Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to Scheie Cemetery. Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
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