Mae Vernette Erickson

Our precious Mama Mae, Mae Vernette Erickson (Grandma Mae), 98, bid her family a peaceful final farewell on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Pheasant’s Ridge in St Peter MN. 

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. at Norseland Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Thursday, October 24 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at St. Peter Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Norseland Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Norseland Lutheran Church, the Minneapolis Ronald McDonald House, or the donor’s choice. 

Mae was born May 16, 1926 in New Ulm MN to Helmer and Helen (Geldaker) Syverson. Along with her three sisters, she grew up on a farm in New Sweden township, where the 4 girls were often up to mischief and shenanigans. Mae attended District #46 country school the first 8 years, then St Peter High School, graduating in 1944. She was a dedicated lifelong member of Norseland Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was a member of the Morson-Ario Strand VFW Women’s Auxiliary. Mom was a strong, independent (stubborn), loving, generous lady who will be so greatly missed, having left a huge gaping hole in our hearts and lives. However, we are Blessed to have had her actively sharing in our lives for so many years and we all have countless precious memories to treasure.

On August 20, 1944 Mae married Vernon Harold Erickson. They were blessed with 6 children, raising them in rural St Peter. Mae was an avid gardener of both vegetables and flowers; she was a talented seamstress and quilter; and she was a great cook. She was a gracious hostess, warmly opening her home to family and friends for all holidays, celebrations, reunions, and get-togethers. Mae worked as a technician at the St Peter State Hospital for 20-plus years, retiring in 1988. She loved her job so much she returned, working part-time for several more years. In retirement Mae kept busy volunteering her time at the thrift store and the St Peter Chamber. Mae loved her faith, family, & friends; the color purple; cheeseburgers; hosting Sunday 3:00 coffee; warm sunny days; decorating her home for each holiday and season; & tending her beautiful flower gardens.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vernon (2007), daughter Karen Clemons (2022), son Tom Erickson (1990), granddaughter KariAnn Youngerberg (2002), grandson Josh Clemons (2004); all of her sisters and their spouses, June & Ken Tollefson, Harriet & Vernon Derner, Betty Lou Hodges; all of Vernon’s siblings and their spouses, Sister Leora, Brothers Loren & Lorraine Erickson, Gerry & Dorothy Erickson, and George & Ginger Erickson.

Grandma Mae is survived by 3 sons, Jim Erickson (Gladys), Ron Erickson, Randy Erickson (Leigh Ann Spoor); 1 daughter, Patti Roberts (Dean); son-in-law, Gary Clemons; 7 grandchildren, Debbie Drost (Darren), Cheri Erickson (Johnny), Ed Engelby (Patti), Heidi Wels (Mike), Jamie Erickson, Tonia Marsh, Christi Rema; 21 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren, Dawson, Dalton, & Deyton Drost; Alex & Hailey Bednar; Griffin Engelby (Theo), Abby Lopez (Ruben), Lilly Engelby (Lucas); Kylie Engelby (Adam) and their children – Maddox, Leila, Evelyn, Teddy, Ruby; Ben Bode; Jordan Ward (Ana) and their children – Josie Mae & Hayes; Sam Ward; Tyler Kueker; Austin Youngerberg; Nathan Frost; Thomas & Silas Marsh, Cole Attenberger; Kelly Walvatne (Curtis) and their children – Brenden, Hunter, Karly; Katie Rema – children Shadow, Willow, Roman; Alexa Rema; “always-there-for-her” nephews Michael & Gerry; god-daughter Janet Tollefson; a wide circle of dear friends who continued to nurture their friendships even in Mom’s advanced years, especially - Deb & Bill; Jill, Cynthia, & Mary; & Angie; as well as her church family – the caring congregants and pastor of Norseland Lutheran Church; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

A heartfelt Thank You to the compassionate and attentive staff at Pheasant’s Ridge for your excellent care of Mom these past five months. Thank you for the dignity, respect, and love with which you treated her. Thank you for your concern and empathy for our entire family during our vigil at Mom’s bedside this past week. Thank you also to Ecumen Hospice, especially Todd, for providing Mom a comfortable and restful last few days.