Ernest "Ole" Erickson

Ernest “Ole” Eugene Erickson, 85, of Page, ND, died Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at Sanford Hospital in Mayville, ND. Ole was born December 23, 1928 to Ernest Herman and Myrtle (Thompson) Erickson on the Kenny farm in rural Page. He was baptized and confirmed in Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Page, ND. He attended and graduated from Page High School. He met the love of his life, Joanne Baker at a barn dance at Hillcrest. He and Donna "Joanne" Baker were married in Pillsbury, North Dakota, November 5, 1950. Ole and Joanne made their home in Page and raised their eight children there. Ole had several occupations throughout his life including: Branick-Swedberg in Fargo, the West Fargo Meat Packing plant and Wedg-Cor Building Systems. He was a sheep shearer and participated in several competitions of speed and accuracy, winning several state championships. Ole, along with his five sons started his own construction company, "Erickson and Sons", in 1963. This was later incorporated into EEE INC. of Page, ND in 1974. Ole served as Mayor of Page for a number of years. He served on several community and church boards throughout the years, including the Elm River Credit Union, The Valley Wool Growers and others. Ole promoted the sheep industry, buying and selling wool well into his 80's. He and Merland Carlson reopened the Page Theatre in the late 1960's and later donated the building to the Page Community Club which still operates the theatre. Ole had several hobbies including his hobby farm, draft horses and assorted farm animals. He was an avid gardener and canned his produce and shared liberally. He enjoyed making wine. Ole was a card player (expert at whist). As of late Ole enjoyed collecting and restoring antique tractors, he also enjoyed hunting with his friends, sons and grandsons. Gathering together with family and friends was very important to Ole. Ole is survived by his five sons and three daughters: Ernest, Jr. (Butch) (Cindy) Erickson; Joel (Karen) Erickson; Gary (Diane) Erickson; Vicky Erickson; David (Debra) Erickson; Hans (Mary) Erickson; Judy (Mike) Workin; Karen (Mike) Walton; 27 Grandchildren; 43 Great Grandchildren; Sisters Vivian Kent, Karen Knudsvig, and MaryAnne (Larry) Hammer; Brother John (Winifred) Erickson; sister-in-law Joanne Erickson. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, granddaughters Staci, Tina and Trina Erickson, brothers Wayne and Larry, and sister Joyce Flickinger. Memorials preferred to the Page Cemetery Fund. Visitation: 3-5 PM on Sunday, November 30, 2014 with a prayer service at 4:30 PM at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Page and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Monday, December 1, 2014 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Page, ND. Burial: Will be at the Page Cemetery, Page, ND.