Avery Joseph Erickson, age 84, of Loves Park, Illinois entered the presence of the Lord on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was born August 22, 1941 in Audubon, Minnesota to John and Jennie (Day) Erickson in a one room log cabin with his Aunt Edna attending as midwife. Avery worked for many years at Rockford Products in manufacturing. He also ran the Dog N Suds on Harlem for eight years.
Avery was a faithful member of Woodlands Baptist Church. In previous years he volunteered with the bus ministry, Awana, and served as a deacon. He enjoyed going on walks and bike rides outdoors, he would go five miles every day. He was a huge fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Vikings. Most of all, Avery loved spending time with all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Avery is survived by children, Ken (Lynn) Erickson, Keith (Zanice) Erickson, and Karla (Kyle) Lahre; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and siblings, John Erickson Jr. and Louise Martell.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Lela Erickson; son Kurtis and his wife Brigette Erickson; second wife, Edna Reddekopp; parents, John and Jennie Erickson; and siblings, Adrian Erickson, Harold Day, and Shirley Vyborny.
A special thanks to Lashunda and the OSF Hospice team for their wonderful care during the past 15 months of his life.
A visitation for Avery will be held on Wednesday, May 20 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
