Glo,
We were always thrilled when John was Matt or Will's coach - so many good hockey memories....
The saying is "it talks a village to raise a child"...grateful that John was a part of our "village"... he made a difference...
We can't imagine your loss...
Thinking of you, Kyle, Dane, Evan and all of your family...
Mary & Gary Schulz

Dearest Erickson Family. Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your Husband, Dad and Grandpa. Your family was one of the first families we became friends with when we moved to Woodbury.  We have so many great memories of John coaching the boys! All those away tournaments,  all us parents and Coaches  hanging out. So many laughs  together. Such special sweet times.  John will be missed by many,, but his Spirit remains. God Bless John and his Family. Sending Prayers and love. 

Dear Erickson Family:

My sincere condolences to you for the loss of John.  I had the privilege to play hockey with John at Gustavus for two years and will never forget the time we spent after practices perfecting the breakaway ( as his goaltender I was always glad to know he was on our team).  More importantly, John was cheerful, encouraging and supportive of his underclassmen teammates.  I am grateful for the time we did spend together and, most recently, reconnecting at a Gustavus event.  RIP my friend.  Heaven is getting a good one. 

Jerry Bren '83  
   

Where do I start?  John and I met our freshman year of college at Gustavus.  We sat together in the back row of Biology 101.  He was the coolest guy I had ever met.  He was playing soccer and had to go out of town for a game and wanted my notes.  It grew into a lasting friendship for many years.  John introduced me to Soccer, Hockey, boxer shorts and girls.  He wore his hair long and reminded me of a rock star.  I came from Southern Minnesota he came from Duluth.  I was short and he was tall.  I was a wrestler he was a hockey and soccer star.  We could not have been any more different, yet we were friends.  John was like that.  I was proud to be his friend. We were roomies our sophomore year and both got into a tiny bit of trouble during Hockey and Wrestling season especially on case day.  It was probably a good idea to discontinue our roommate status. Our lives continued to intersect throughout college and after graduation we lived together in Bloomington with Bob, Scott and our dogs.  Animal House had nothing on us.  It was there we developed our professional careers and solidified our search for our perfect wives.  Who would have thought Glo and Margot could tame us and become our partners for life? We fell out of touch for over 25 years.  I often wondered what became of John and would hear of his successes with coaching and mentoring his sons.  A few years ago, we met again at our mutual friend Ditty’s wedding.  Glo and John arrived, and they sat in front of me as the ceremony proceeded.  He looked at me and said with a quirky smile “do I know you?”  We hugged.  Immediately the years dissolved, and we were back in Bio class giggling and telling our life stories.  My regret is I never had the time to reconnect and meet his sons.  To tell them how much John meant to me in his own special way. To let them know how many lives he touched and the joy he brought to all of us in our early years.  I will cherish his memory forever.  

I had the pleasure to play hockey with John at Gustavus for 2 years. 
He had an ability to light up a locker room and lift up those around him.    I always enjoyed seeing him at Gustavus hockey events.  
As a 2 time All-America player, he was fun to watch.   He leveraged his skills and intellect as a player.  He was always a great teammate and a great guy.  I am  truly sorry for your loss and I am grateful that I was able to know him.

May God bless the Erickson family.
Matthew 5:4  Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Sincerely submitted
Rick Hjelm

John was a good friend in college and was one of my housemates  at Gustavus our senior year. He was a tremendous soccer and hockey athlete, was highly intelligent, but also knew how to have a good time.  He could sense injustice and would stand up for the underdog.  He  had a wry sense of humor,  and I will never forget his laugh and  goofy grin when he was amused by something absurd or silly.   I wasn’t able to see as  much of him after college as I wished, but was honored that he and Gloria were able to make it to my wedding three years ago.  I will miss him.  He was a good man. Gloria and his sons have my deepest condolences.

Back in high school I had a 66 Rambler with 3 on the tree.  A group of us were hanging out behind the London House up in Duluth MN.  I was sitting there and noticed that my car was rolling toward the big lake.  Just before it hit the rocks it stops.  Johnny pops up with that big xxxx eating grin on his face.  Many good times with the guy....  Will be missed at the next reunion.

Deepest sympathy to John’s family.  He was a wonderful co-worker at Fairview - never a dull meeting with John present!  Heaven got another angel.  RIP John

I worked with John for many years, often in circumstances of stress.  His ability to remain calm, lighten the moment with humor and his patience for those of us who were on our last nerve were qualities I deeply admired.  I am so sorry for this shocking loss of a very good man.  Blessings for John and your entire family.  Best Regards,  Kathy Knight

Glo and John’s family - John is one of my all time favorite people. I’m sad to hear this news. Pictures of your special life together are great. Thanks for sharing.  Love, John

From the Gruett family,
Our prayers for strength and comfort are with Glo and the boys. 

I am a coworker at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  Heartfelt condolences to the Erickson family.  I had the joy, yes, the joy of working with John. I could count on my weekly and sometimes daily calls with John being professional, fun, and friendly no matter how difficult the topic.  I genuinely wish I had known John longer; I think we were on the road to becoming great friends.  We shared the love of sports and family. The true character of a person lives on in their family.  I hope memories of times together with him bring you comfort. Know that John had a wonderful spirit and left a positive impact on his coworkers here at DEED. 

To John's family,

I am a colleague of John's at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).  John often spoke fondly of his wife, children, grandson, and coaching hockey.  When I found out that John used to grow potatoes, I gave some of our family potato seedlings for John to grow; he enjoyed harvesting potatoes with this grandson!  John had a kind soul and was fabulous to work with.  He was also a friend and mentor.  I will miss working with John.  I share in your sorrow and sadness.           

To the family of John,

John was a wonderful man who always doted on his family. He taught me so much in the short timeframe I had the privilege of knowing and working for him. One of his favorite things to do was make his team feel awkward by saying "I love you" at the conclusion of our meetings. While it made us giggle, we knew it was true. You could always count on John to be there for you and he will be greatly missed on this side of Earth. 

Lesley Williams

Dear John’s Family,

John was my colleague at our job Department of Economics and Employment. He was more then a colleague, he was a mentor, a friend and the biggest cheerleader to me. I was shy and scared to start my HR career with the state but he took his time to help me learn about state policy and guided me through my growth at our job. I am due to deliver my newborn any-day and last week he made sure to check in on me before the weekend. I’m thankful to have known him in this lifetime. What an honor to have cross paths  with such a kind, humble person. He will dearly be missed. 

Dear Gloria & Family,
I am so sorry about Johnny! While we haven’t had a lot of contact since college (other than following and supporting Gustavus Hockey), we did spend considerable time together, especially in the 7th, 8th, & 9th grades during hockey season. Funny, even way back then, we played hockey year-round! Of course, a few years back, Woodbury AA Peewees defeated my nephew’s Hermantown team in the state title game. It was neat to meet you, Gloria, after that game and congratulate John. And then just a few weeks ago, I communicated with John about playing golf with my team at the GAC Hockey fundraiser. He didn’t play with us, but it was great communicating with him about it. It was fun to express with John some memories of both Johnny and his dad. By the way, Mr. Erickson was the nicest man I think I ever knew. John obviously continued his dad’s lead into his life as well.
Please know, Gloria & Family, I will be praying for you in the days ahead for strength. I lost my dad when he was 62 years old as well, and I think I understand some of your family's grief and pain. I really never knew someone like Johnny, someone with so many excellent character qualities: Kindness, Loyalty, Intelligence, Athleticism, Charisma, Faithfulness, Determination, etc., etc.
I leave you with some encouragement from Jesus, hoping that you can believe that his promises are true: 

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3-4)

God Bless,
Tom Opsahl


Dear Gloria, Kyle , Dane and Evan 
On behalf of your extended family on the West Coast, we send our deepest condolences to you and your entire family. Lisa and I had the privilege of meeting your dad many years ago and he left a lasting impression as someone who loved his family. After Eileen recently shared that beautiful hockey video, we saw a man who truly has his priorities straight. His community service, leadership, and coaching  with his sons.....we saw a happy and proud man. 

We know that Johnny is at peace with those who have gone before him, including our beloved mom who we lost last year. Our mom always spoke highly of her family in Minnesota and please know we feel your pain and we are always here for support, love and prayer. 

God Bless 
Love The Curley and Ward Families,
John, Bobbie, Emily, Claire, Lisa, Jeff, Hayden, Connor    

John and I were coworkers and was very fortunate to work more closely with him the last few weeks of his life. I'll always remember how fair he was in his approach to work, always giving the benefit of the doubt and seeing people in their best possible light. John also gushed about his love of his grandson and the time they spent together. His passing was so sudden and our entire team is feeling the loss. He left a big impact on those he worked with and will not soon be forgotten. 

file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/50/00/CA0BDE94-0A4A-4E6C-A4BF-6B7C81B7B395/IMG_3523.

My son, Derek, sent me this pic today. A night on the town after ANOTHER game John coached. Everyone having FUN! 

That’s what John was all about!!! Coaching these kids to enjoy the sport and one another! 

Thanks to John and his family.  The sacrifices endured for the benefit of others. So very much  appreciated!!!! THANK YOU!!!






Visitation

Celebration of Life Service

Preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Mary Erickson; infant brother, Jimmy; father-in-law, Ed Okubo; beloved pets, Teddy the beagle and Tucker the lab.
John will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 37 years, Glo; sons, Kyle (Annie), Dane (wife Kelsey), and Evan (Delaney); grandson, Coulter; siblings, Barbara (David), Eileen (Chuck), Mary (Paul); mother-in-law, Pearl Okubo; brother-in-law, Randy; sister-in-law, Cheryl (Rick). He will also be missed by cherished relatives, friends, colleagues and community members

OBITUARY

John Gerard Erickson

March 31, 1959 – October 8, 2021

Wulff Woodbury Funeral Home

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