E. "Clayton" Erickstad

Ernest “Clayton”  Erickstad, 87 of Devils Lake formerly of Starkweather ND passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023 at St. Catherine’s Care Center in Fargo.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend Lori Pankratz officiating. 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-Air Force. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery at a later date. A time of fellowship will be held at the VFW Club, Devils Lake following services.

Clayton, son of Arthur and Esther (Dahlstrom) Erickstad was born on October 25, 1935 at Starkweather ND. He attended the Sullivan Township School and graduated from Starkweather High School with the class of 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on November 19, 1953 and proudly served his country stateside as a jet engine mechanic. He was honorably discharged on November 18, 1957 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  

After his discharge, Clayton returned to North Dakota and return to farming. He was united in marriage to his beloved Mavis Klabo in August of 1961. They established their home on the Erickstad farm at rural Starkweather, making it their home for 55 years. They lived, worked side by side and raised their family on the farm. They moved to Devils Lake in 2017 and Mavis died on June 24, 2019.

Clayton’s passion was farming but he never missed attending his sons school events and activities and was always their biggest fan, cheering them on and encouraging them in their pursuits.

Clayton was a member of Trinity-Bergen Lutheran Church, VFW, and life member of the Elks Lodge and Eagles Lodge until its closing. 

Clayton is survived by his loving family. His sons Keith Erickstad, West Fargo, ND and Jamie (Susan) Erickstad of Sauk Rapids, MN: grandchildren Myranda (Captain Andre) Solomon, Seoul, South Korea and Austin Erickstad, St. Cloud MN; sister Sylvia (Dean) Moorehouse of Washington State: in-laws Carolyn (Norm) Esterberg and Reany (Kevin) Riggin; many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mavis; son Scott; sisters Gloria Unger, Edith Wass and Phyllis Arnold; brothers Gordon Erickstad and Robert Erickstad and in-laws Thelmer Klabo and Anna Sabin.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Fargo VA Hospital and St Catherine’s South in Fargo for their kindness and excellent care.

Casket Bearers will be Clayton’s grandson Austin Erickstad, nephews Craig, Kevin, Gary and Jason Erickstad and brother-in-law Kevin Riggin. Honorary Bearer will be Clayton’s good friend James Uhlenkamp. Reading Scripture will be great nephew Kaden Kueneman and great niece Kinley Kueneman. Music will be provided by great niece Kendall Kueneman.