Alice Lillian Erickstad

Alice Lillian (Sather) Erickstad, 98 of Devils Lake formerly of Starkweather, ND passed away on Sunday morning, February 25, 2018 at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake.

Alice Lillian Sather was the second in line of eight children born to Severin and Sofie (Anderson) Sather. She was born on April 17, 1919, on the family farm NE of Starkweather in Royal Township of Ramsey County. 

Lillian attended her first eight years of school at Royal #2, located 2 ½ miles north of the farm.  In the fall of 1933, she started her freshman year at Starkweather High School graduating in the spring of 1937.  Following her graduation, Lillian spent the next couple of years working at various jobs in the Starkweather and Webster communities. 

Lillian was united in marriage to Myron John Erickstad on October 1, 1939, at Trinity Church in Starkweather at a 7 PM candlelight service.

Myron and Lillian lived the first year of their marriage at Myron’s parents’ home as they were spending the winters in Texas. They then bought two quarters of land in Towner County, moving into the big old house on the property in 1940. Here they lived and farmed together for 39 years while raising their four children and expanding their farm.  They enjoyed many winter trips to see different parts of the United States as well as visiting many friends and family members. 

Upon Myron’s death in 1979, Lillian continued to reside on the farm for the next 19 years. She spent hours riding her lawn mower, gardening, and keeping up the farm site.  She also took part in the farm life by cooking for John and his crew and helping the men move from field to field.  She thoroughly enjoyed her 13 grandchildren (6 of which lived nearby) and 14 great grandchildren. 

Lillian was an active member of Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church in Starkweather. Here she was a Sunday School teacher for 30 years, was a member of the Ladies Aid, and served in various congregational offices.  Lillian enjoyed being a 50 year member of the Everready Homemakers Club and belonged to the Starkweather Booster Club. 

In December of 1998, Lillian moved to a condo/duplex in Devils Lake. She was a resident of Devils Lake until the time of her passing, spending the last five years at Heartland Court #1.  Here she enjoyed many friends and the wonderful staff. 

Lillian knew and loved her Lord and Savior and went peacefully home to Him.

Lillian is survived by her children: Alice Gette, Castle Pines, CO, Carol (Roger) Pederson, Starkweather and John (Maria) Erickstad, Devils Lake, her grandchildren: Kristen Galich, Julianne (Billy Nagengast) Galich, Peter (Heidee) Galich, Stevan Galich, Cheri Gette (Rick Levin), Michael Gette, Angie Gette, Rachel (Jon) Besse, Jennifer (Cass) Brekhus, Steven Pederson, Douglas (Jade) Erickstad, Bradley (Roxanne) Erickstad, and Lisa (Aaron) Peyerl, her great grandchildren: Grace and George Nagengast, Mila and Peter Galich, Ashley and Matthew Besse, Josie and Holly Brekhus, Anders Erickstad, Olivia, Brynn and Ryan Erickstad and Alec and Lia Peyerl. Her sister: Gladys (William) Provance, Roseau, MN and her brother Gordon (Margaret) Sather, Grand Forks, ND.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Myron, daughter Myrna Galich, son-in-law Rodney Gette and five sisters Anna Quick, Ellen Wilhelmi, Ines Tyler, Velma DeFrates and Elsie Sather.

Funeral Services for Lillian will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, Starkweather with Reverend Robert Buechler officiating. Burial will be in the spring at the Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, March 1, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and Time of Remembrance at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Casket Bearers for Lillian will be her grandsons Peter Galich, Stevan Galich, Michael Gette, Steven Pederson, Douglas Erickstad and Bradley Erickstad.  Music will be provided by Jenee Provance, soloist and Mary Ann Devig, organist.  Reading the Scriptures will be Angie Gette and Lisa Peyer.