Karen Helen Erickson

Karen Helen (Overland) Erickson, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, formerly of Fertile, Minnesota, died Saturday, April 13 at Sanford Health in Fargo, due to complications following surgery. Born February 22, 1943 to parents Edwin and Helen Overland in Crookston, Minnesota, Karen was raised in Fertile graduating from Fertile High School in 1961. On June 10, 1961 she married Norman Erickson, Jr. After a short stay in Virginia Beach, Virginia while Norm completed his Naval service, they returned to Fertile where they purchased and operated Cities Servicegas station. Karen and Norm were soon growing their family as first Johnny, then Bernie and finally Naomi were keeping them busy. Time was also spent providing a home for many family pets but she truly cherished caring for her two white Arabian horses,King and Cheyenne. In the early 70's, she partnered with Jan Lyson to open The Book and Bible Shoppe in Fertile. After selling her interest in the book store, she and Norm completed construction of a new service station and bulk fuel facility north of Fertile. Karen and Norm's love for family, friends and the outdoors led to hosting countless summer celebrations at their lake home on Maple Lake to enjoy water sports and the hot tub. Their memories of summers at the lake and hosting family gatherings to coincide with the Polk County Fair provided countless stories and laughter over the years. After raising their family, she and Norm spent many days traveling and visiting family and friends before Karen lost the love of her life with Norm's sudden passing in 2002. Karen continued to operate Erickson Oil for one year before selling the business and family home and retiring to Detroit Lakes. She kept busy by caring for friends and loved ones, enjoying the lake with Naomi and granddaughter, Paige, and working part-time in the children's department at Norby's Department Store. She enjoyed getting together with her siblings, nieces and nephews at the annual Overland family reunions hosted by Bernie and David the past several years. She is survived by her son Bernie (David Hamilton); daughter Naomi (Rob Goral); grandchildren Brandon, Valerie and Paige; brothers Ronn (Mardi), Harold (Janet); sister Rebecca (Ajit) Venkatramen; Norm's siblings Jim (Kathy), Jerry (Pat), Jennifer (Gary) Gullekson and Don (Lois); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by herfirst son, John William Erickson (1969); husband Norm; sister-in-law Elayne; parents Ed and Helen Overland; and parents-in-law Norman and Gladys Erickson. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 17, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the West-Kjos Funeral home in Detroit Lakes with a time of sharing and remembrance at 6:00 p.m.. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The funeral will be Thursday, April 18, 2013 at10:30 a.m. at the Maple Bay Free Lutheran Church located at 11703 Ash St. S.E. (approximately ten miles northeast of Fertile off Polk County Road 12). A reception will follow at Concordia Lutheran Church, located on State Highway 32 at Jefferson Avenue S.W., Fertile, Minnesota.