Vernon "Smiles" Erickson

Vernon Howard "Smiles" Erickson age 88 of Crosby died on September 18, 2011 at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. He was born to Elmer and Elizabeth (Trossen) Erickson on January 4, 1923. He was a WWII Navy veteran and served during Korea in the Army Reserves. He attended Harding High School in St. Paul; was employed with the US Postal Service retiring in 1984. After retirement he was employed at Ruttger's on Bay Lake for 20 years. He was also very active with amateur baseball, serving as president of St. Paul Old Timers Hot Stove League. Survivors include his wife Lois; 3 sons, Thomas (Bonnie) Erickson of New Richmond, WI; Timothy (Sherry) Erickson of Shoreview; and Terry (Karen) Erickson of Cottage Grove; 1 daughter, Tracie (Michael) Gavnik of Burnsville; 2 Step daughters, Kathy (Mike) Wiedell of Crosby, Barb (Don) Olesen of Anoka; 2 step sons, Glenn (Pam) Holmgren of Phoenix, AZ; Steven Holmgren of Garrison; 1 brother, William, (Gerrie) Erickson of Roseville; numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his parents, sister, Lorraine Arends; 2 brothers, Roy and Gerald Funeral services will be 2 pm on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby. Burial will be at the MN State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Friends may call 1 hour prior to the services Saturday. A special thank you to Dr. Mike Wiedell and family.