Mass of Christian Burial for Earl H. Erickson, 89, of Wallingford, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Estherville, with military honors by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91, both of Estherville. He died on Oct. 7, 2026, at his home in Wallingford.
Visitation will be from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the church in Estherville.
Earl H. Erickson, the son of Earl G. and Helen D. (Hall) Erickson, was born on April 16, 1937, in Estherville, Iowa.
Earl was raised with his brother Ed in Graettinger, but due to his father’s health issues, Earl attended tenth grade in Texas where they spent one winter helping their father recuperate. The family returned to Graettinger where Earl, Jr. graduated from the class of 1955, and he was the salutatorian of his class. In November of 1955, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in October 1959. During his time in the Navy, Earl was stationed on the USS Perry as a 2nd Class Radarman. He was also a “Blue Nose” because he sailed north of the Arctic Circle. When Earl returned home from the Navy, he took over management of the Clover Farm grocery store on the corner in Graettinger from his father.
Earl Erickson and Virginia Bradley were married on September 16, 1967, in the Immaculate Conception Church at Graettinger. Two sons were born to their union, Eric and Chris.
Earl spent his entire life in Palo Alto County and Emmet County. He worked for Pepsi for 36 years, retiring in 1999. Earl and Virginia operated “Erickson Produce” out of their Wallingford property for many years. They were instrumental in helping establish the Estherville Farmer’s Market. The Erickson home on the edge of Wallingford is most recognizable for his display of pumpkin décor year-round, and the beautiful pumpkins he sold each year.
In his free time, Earl enjoyed fishing, hunting and was a certified master gardener. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the local Knights of Columbus. Throughout his life he was an avid reader and had a desire to keep learning. He even attended Iowa Lakes Community College later in life.
Earl is survived by his sons, Eric and Christopher Erickson (Michael); honorary son, Jose Rodriguez; granddaughter, Evelyn; brother, Edmund (Patricia) Erickson; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddie (Ron) Omundson, JoAnn (Larry) Enderson, and Don (Kim) Bradley.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Erickson; his parents, Earl and Helen Erickson; many brothers and sisters-in-law; and extended family members.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.
Henry-Olson Funeral Home of Estherville is assisting the family with arrangements.
