CAROL R ERICKSON

Carol R. Erickson, 71 of Bismarck formerly of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday evening, December 6, 2014 at the Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck. Funeral Services for Carol will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Rev. Jeff Nicla officiating. Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery, rural Fairdale, ND on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, December 12th from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Carol R. Erickson, daughter of Clifford and Ruth (Flaten) Thronsedt was born on December 20, 1942 in Rugby, ND. Carol grew up in the Osnabrock area and attended the local school for several years. She attended a private Lutheran Middle School in Colorado while the family was living there. The family moved back to North Dakota and Carol graduated from Nekoma High School with the class of 1961. Carol was united in marriage to her beloved Clifford E. Erickson on June 3, 1961 in Nekoma. They began a beautiful life together which lasted over 53 years. They established their home in a farm near Easby, ND. Due to Clifford’s work they lived in several locations including Glenfield, ND, Denver, CO and then Devils Lake, ND. Carol’s life involved being a devoted loving wife and doting mother of seven children. After her youngest started school, Carol worked for a short time at K-Mart and at J.C. Penney’s until it closed. She then began her career with Ramsey National Bank and Trust from where she later retired. Carol was an active member of the Lake Region Bowmen’s Club along with her husband Clifford, and they both enjoyed archery and hunting. She was always a willing volunteer in the various school projects and organizations in which her children were involved. Later, she volunteered as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer and with Meals on Wheels. She was always a people person who loved meeting new people, catching up on the news with old friends, and she always found someone to visit with on any outing. Carol loved the outdoors and nature. She loved riding horse and tending flower gardens. When the garden had to come inside she made beautiful bouquets, and her green thumb took care of many houseplants. She was very creative and her creations were in many different forms which included ceramics, crocheting, sewing costumes and matching outfits for the family, western shirts and much more. Her musical talent was part of the Thronsedt genes. She could play piano by ear and loved to dance to any kind of music. Carol never wavered in her love for family and friends and she considered them her most precious blessings. Carol is survived by her children 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; ten grandchildren Amie Osborn, Jerad Dahlen; Tasha Erickson, Jordan Erickson; C.J. (Amanda) Erickson; Alyssa Erickson, Austin Erickson, Bryer Erickson; Jackson Archbold and Braeden Archbold; one great grandson Noah Osborn; brother Roger (Pam) Thronsedt, West Virginia, Randy Thronsedt, Osnabrock, ND and Clarence “Stoney” (Shawna) Thronsedt, Devils Lake; several nieces, nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Clifford on November 11, 2014.