CLIFFORD E. ERICKSON

Clifford E. Erickson, 75 of Bismarck formerly of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2014 at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck. Funeral Services for Clifford will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Rev. Jeff Nicla officiating. Burial will be at the Highland Cemetery, rural Fairdale, ND on Saturday, November 15th at 5:00 p.m. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, November 14th from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Clifford Earl Erickson, son of Leonard and Pearl (Sando) Erickson was born on June 25, 1939 in Langdon, ND. Clifford grew up in the Elkwood, ND area, and at the age of 14 the family moved to Hannah, ND. He attended Hannah High School and in February of 1957, Clifford enlisted in the United States Army. He completed Military Police Training and served his country stateside and in Germany. He had many memories from his Army days but serving as an escort guard for Queen Elizabeth, a helicopter guard for President Dwight D. Eisenhower and patrolling the Autobahn in Germany are among the most memorable. Clifford was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Specialist 4. Clifford served as Deputy Sheriff in Hannah for several years. He was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Carol R. Thronsedt on June 3, 1961 in Nekoma, ND. They established their home on a farm near Easby, ND. He then worked for an elevator company and worked in construction in the Langdon area. The family moved to Glenfield where Clifford continued employment in the construction industry. Clifford and Carol later moved to Denver, Colorado, where Cliff worked for B.F. Goodrich Tire Company. Several years later, Clifford and Carol moved back to North Dakota. They made their home in Devils Lake. Clifford partnered with Doug Bjornson to create Tri-Quality Construction. He later partnered with Willie Lein, Darcy Olson, and Joel Schneider to form Lake Region Builders. Cliff retired in 2001. Clifford was an active member of Lake Region Bowmen’s Club and served as the Club's treasurer for several years. He also enjoyed membership in the Wrestling Booster Club, serving as President for several years. Cliff loved the outdoors and nature. He raised pigs, miniature horses, calves, chickens and other animals. He was diligent at tending his garden and flower beds. He was a very talented archer and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Cliff proudly served his country and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed. Clifford is survived by his wife Carol of 53 years; children Andrea (Gunther) Ortlieb, Steinheim, Germany, Cheri (Darryle) Graff, Bismarck, Chad (Peggy) Erickson, Lisbon, ND, Clifton (Sara) Erickson, Bismarck, Cindy Muna, Minneapolis, Corey (Bonnie)Erickson , Devils Lake, Carol Ann (Jason) Archbold, Fargo and Chaun (Denise) Erickson, Lincoln, NE; 12 grandchildren Stefanie Ortlieb, Alexandra Venuto; Amie Osborn, Jerad Dahlen; Tasha Erickson, Jordan Erickson; C.J. (Amanda) Erickson; Alyssa Erickson, Austin Erickson, Bryer Erickson; Jackson Archbold and Braeden Archbold; seven great grandchildren; sister Bev (Jerry) Domres, Langdon; brother Chris (Sally) Erickson, Glendive, MT; several nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Dale Erickson. Casket Bearers for Clifford will be Chad, Clifton, Corey and Chaun Erickson, Jerad Dahlen, C.J., Austin and Bryer Erickson. Honorary Bearers are Noah Osborn, Jackson Archbold and Braeden Archbold.