
Thomas E. Erickson, age 73, of Maple Lake, died Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Buffalo Hospital.
Visitation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake with a Prayer Service at 3:30 p.m. led by Fr. Kevin Magner. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will follow from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Madigan’s in Maple Lake.
Thomas Edmund Erickson was born March 7, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Warren and Catherine (O’Neill) Erickson. He grew up in Minneapolis, before moving with his family to Litchfield during his high school years. In 1968, he graduated from Litchfield High School. Tom then began his lifelong career as a truck driver, most recently with Kottke Trucking in Buffalo Lake. Over the years Tom lived in Litchfield, along with his two children, Heidi and Justin “Buck”, followed by Ramsey, and for the past 7 years he quickly became a member of the Maple Lake Community.
Tom enjoyed spending time outdoors riding 4-wheeler or side-by-side, or spending time on the lake skiing and boating. When he was not working on house projects or cars, you could probably find him at Madigan’s with his new friends. There were no strangers with Tom, only friends he had not met yet. And chances were, you were given a nickname by Tom, whether you liked it or not. He could walk into a warehouse on his route and would be quickly greeted with the same enthusiasm as Norm from Cheers. Tom’s wit, quick comebacks, and unique Tom-isms will be missed by everyone. Although he could be characterized as stubborn, he was beyond personable, and always rooted for the underdog.
Tom is survived by his children, Heidi Zook of Buffalo and Justin “Buck” (Katie) Erickson of Carbondale, CO; 7 grandchildren, Taylor, Michael, Max, Sam, Isa, Frankie, and Waylon; siblings, Carol (David) Anderson of Delano, Wayne (Bonnie) of Clearwater, FL, Rita (Ron) Copus of St. Michael, Jerry (Char) of Pensacola, FL, David of Coon Rapids, Judy (Doug) Starry of Maple Lake, and Cathy (Jay) Pomeroy of Minnetrista; former wives, Barbara Anderson and Linda Erlandson; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and his multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Sharon (George) Stubbs, Phillip and Phillip, Sue (Orv) Johnson, and Marion Olson.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com