Harvey James Erickson

Harvey James Erickson, age 95, of Turtle Lake, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born November 2, 1930, to Jacob and Ester (Jenson) Erickson, Harvey was raised primarily by his grandparents on their farm near Osakis, Minnesota.

Harvey proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After returning home, Harvey farmed in the Osakis area with his first wife, Ester Erickson (Lanum), who died unexpectedly. Some time later, while working on the construction of a new highway in New Mexico, Harvey met Ann (White), who had also lost her spouse at a young age. The two met and married within three months, beginning a remarkable 60-year marriage and raising a loving, close-knit family with an unmistakable entrepreneurial spirit.

Harvey spent 50 years as a heavy equipment operator and proud member of the 49ers Union. In 1979, Harvey, Ann and their family moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area, where they became proprietors of Camp Holiday Resort and Campground.

Harvey was a man of few words who could build or fix just about anything. Summers at the resort didn't leave much time for recreation, but they did bring a wonderful circle of lifelong friends - and more than a few good stories. Among those friends was the infamous annual Golden Bucket Award, bestowed upon whoever had managed the year's most memorable bit of mischief. Harvey held the rare distinction of being its only two-time recipient.

When time allowed, Harvey enjoyed his toys - snowmobiles, four-wheelers, side-by-sides and whatever else he could find to tinker with. He especially enjoyed time at his cabin in Squaw Lake, Minnesota, where his annual deer hunt with the guys was a highlight of every year.

Harvey lived out his final years at home on the shore of Turtle Lake, surrounded by his family and the place he loved. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ann; children Kimberly Erickson, George Erickson (Monique), and Therse Erickson (Paul); grandchildren Chantell Erickson, Amber Knapp (AJ), Kaycee Lubovich (Matt), Beau Erickson (Bernie), Cole Erickson (Corri), and Matthew Rosen; great-grandchildren Kenley, Swea, Mylah, Cooper, Colter and Collins Erickson, Theodore Knapp, and Lily, Lucy, Leila and Ella Lubovich; sister Norma Rogers; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Ester (Jenson) Erickson; first wife, Ester Erickson (Lanum); grandson Theo Erickson; brother Marvin Erickson; and sisters Eileen Trisco and Linda Tralich.

A Marine, farmer, heavy equipment operator, resort owner, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather -Harvey built a life much the same way he built everything else: quietly, solidly, and made to last.

With special thanks to his nieces Aleatha Modin and Sherie Palmer, Aleatha's daughter Thea, Matthew Rosen, and the team at Vivie. Their generous love, support and helping hands brought comfort to Harvey and his family and made the difficult final months a little easier to carry.

Service information: A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on August 30, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Camp Holiday Resort and Campground, 27406 Round Lake Road, Deerwood, MN 56444. Harvey will be interred on August 31, 2026, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley.