Arnold Lee Erickson

Arnold was a graduate of East High School. He then pursued a higher education, earning an Associate of Arts degree from Grand View College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drake University.

Arnold was as mild mannered as one could be: a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Arnold had many years to impress upon his loved ones with wisdom and impart life’s most important values. He shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marilyn. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, and love.

A man of deep Christian faith, Arnold was a lifelong member of Grandview Lutheran Church. His church family was an important part of his life, and he faithfully served through his involvement in the church and its choir. His devotion to God and his family remained a guiding presence throughout his life.

Arnold’s early career started out at General Motors. For his family to remain together, he transitioned to possibly his most notable career, a sailboat dealer, where he influenced his family for a love of the water. That has always remained. Arnold went on to a career in commercial real estate for the next 30 years and acquired real estate for himself. Arnold was a true entrepreneur.

Arnold enjoyed a life of music. Particularly, choral music. He sang in the Grand View college choir as a student, then faithfully in the Grandview Lutheran Church Choir for most of his life.

Among many other things, Arnold cherished time spent with family, at his lake properties. From Nisswa to Lake Thunderhead, Arnold enjoyed having his family around him to fish, boat, campfire and mostly relax during the summers. His family was always nearby.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Marilyn Erickson; his three children, Brian (Betty) Erickson, Kathi (Don) Bieghler, and Michael (Julie) Erickson; and his five grandchildren, Justin Wolfe, Whitney Klein, Brandon Wolfe, Elizabeth Erickson, and Devin Erickson.

He is also survived by his seven great-grandchildren, Ryder Klein, Aiden Klein, Norah Wolfe, Oliver Wolfe, Hudson Wolfe, Everett Wolfe, and Adalynn Wolfe.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, Ivar and Olaug Erickson, and his sister, Lynne Elwell.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00am to 11:00am at Grandview Lutheran Church, 2930 E. 13th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50316. A funeral service will follow at 11:00am at the church.

Arnold will be laid to rest at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grandview Lutheran Church in Arnold’s memory.

Arnold will be remembered for his enduring faith, his devotion to his family, and the love he shared with those fortunate enough to know him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.