Denton Erickson

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Hubbard United Methodist Church in Hubbard, MN with Pastor Laurie Kantonen officiating.VISITATION : 5-8:00 P.M. on Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday.INTERMENT :SURVIVORS : His loving wife of 56 years, Marlys, daughter, Jean (Tom) Matis; son, Elliot; three grandsons: Robert Anderson, Joel (Lara) Erickson and Kyle (Angela) Erickson and 5 great-grandchildren. DENTON CLINTON ERICKSONApril 30, 1933 ~ November 23, 2011 Denton was born April 30 1933 in Long Prairie, MN to Anna (Christensen) and Arthur Erickson. After attending a rural school for 8 years, he graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1951. He met Marlys Brasel prior to joining the United States Army in 1952. After his service, they wed July 2nd 1955 in Deer Creek, MN. They settled in St. Cloud where they began their family, raising 3 children: Jeff, Jean and Elliot. Denton began his business career as Personnel Manager at Anderson Trucking. In January 1971, Denton and Marlys purchased Moon Motor Sales along with Walt and Arlene Pederson, becoming sole proprietors in 1972. Well loved by his employees, Denton continued to expand and run this successful motor sports business until health concerns with Ataxia forced his retirement in 1983. Denton and Marlys had homes in Monticello, Park Rapids and North Wilkesboro, NC where they alternated their time. They made Park Rapids their permanent residence in 1987. In the following years, Denton and Marlys enjoyed traveling, visiting Norway, Japan and Hawaii. They were avid NASCAR fans and spent a good deal of time going to many races in North Carolina, often with friends and family. Raised in a large farm family, Denton knew from an early age the value of hard work. He also learned that after a long day, sometimes you play hard too. He enjoyed hayrides, ballgames and all sorts of other kids games that he and his brothers and sisters would often play with the neighbor kids. And of course, the state fair was quite the deal back then! Music was a huge part of Denton's life. His family could often be found around the piano singing gospel songs. As a child, Denton and his twin (!) sister, Dorothy would sing "Playmate, come out and play with me" at Farm Bureau meetings with sister, Evelyn on the piano. He sang in the school and church choirs and even in the car. When sister, Dorothy met her future husband Skip Johnson, she wrote to Denton (who was in the army at the time) to tell him about Skip. Denton wrote back, "He sounds like a nice guy, Dort, but I have to ask, can he sing?" He continued singing throughout his life, never passing up an opportunity to share his favorite songs with friends and family. Sometimes he would entertain his grandsons by singing a tune or two what seemed like 5 or 6 octaves lower than they were written, which sure made them giggle. For many years, he donated time to STORM camp. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and handyman projects for as long as he was able. He especially enjoyed visits from family and friends. Never shying away from a neighborhood ride, he often drove his golf cart up and down the block, inviting new neighbors to church or just stopping by for some lemonade and a good laugh. The young kids really liked when Denton would race the golf cart down the driveway to make that sharp turn! Above all, Denton professed his love for Christ, which carried him through his long illness. Denton is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marlys, daughter, Jean (Tom) Matis; son, Elliot; three grandsons: Robert Anderson, Joel (Lara) Erickson and Kyle (Angela) Erickson and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey; sisters, Inez and Dorothy; brothers, Dayton and Adolf and his parents, Art and Anna. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Hubbard United Methodist Church in Hubbard, MN with Pastor Laurie Kantonen officiating. Pianist will be Cheryl Steinborn. Casketbearers will be grandsons: Robert Anderson, Joel Erickson and Kyle Erickson; son-in-law, Tom Matis, nephew, Terry Brasel and dear friend, Tim Schwartz. A luncheon will be served following the service for all to attend.