Marlys R. Erickson

MARLYS R. ERICKSON December 20, 1934 – June 23, 2016      Marlys Ruth Erickson, age 81, of Clearwater and formerly of Park Rapids, MN passed away peacefully June 23, 2016 at Quiet Oaks in St. Augusta, MN.       She was born on December 20, 1934 to Martin and Grace (Voge) Brasel in Deer Creek, MN.       July 2nd, 1955 she married Denton Erickson and they had three children, Jeffrey, Jean and Elliot.       Marlys taught elementary education for many years in St. Cloud and Sartell. In 1971 Denton and Marlys purchased Moon Motors in Monticello and after a few years, Marlys retired from teaching to work there with her husband.  When Denton’s health started to fail, they sold business to their oldest son Jeff.  They enjoyed traveling, especially to North Carolina and Hawaii.       After splitting their time between Minnesota and North Carolina, they made their permanent home in Park Rapids, where they grew a close circle of friends, especially at the Hubbard United Methodist Church, where Marlys was pianist for many years.       Marlys loved the Lord, her family, her friends, travel and music.  Her world revolved around those things.  She was kind and generous.       She is survived by her daughter Jean (Tom) Matis of South Haven; son Elliot of Salt Lake City, Utah; Grandchildren: Robb Anderson of Clearwater, Joel Erickson (Lara) of Clearwater, Kyle Erickson (Angela) of Monticello, and Tiffany Johnson of Elk River.  Also great grandchildren: Carley, Andrey, William, Emily, Tommy, James and Milo.       She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Denton; son Jeffrey on August 30, 2003 and daughter-in-law Cindie in October of 2013.       Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Hubbard United Methodist Church in Hubbard, MN, with Pastor Laurie Kantonen officiating.  Casket bearers will be: Robb Anderson Joel Erickson, Kyle Erickson, Tom Brasel, Terry Brasel and Tim Schwartz.  Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Tuesday, June 27, 2016 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids. To view the video tribute or leave online condolences, please visit jonespearson.com.