Erickson, Arnold "Arnie" passed away Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 with Yvonne, his wife of 69 years at his side. He was 94. Arnie was born on March 5, 1927 to Swedish immigrants Victor and Ensie Erickson. He attended Roosevelt High School and served as a US Marine in the WWII Asia Pacific campaign. After the war Arnie graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Communications and a minor in Humanities and began working for Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company. Later Arnie felt called to the ministry and attended Bethel Seminary and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Arnie was an American Baptist pastor for many years in Minnesota, Indiana, Nebraska and Arizona until he retired, then he returned to the ministry part time until he was in his eighties. Throughout his life, Arnie's enduring passion- in addition to theology -- was physical fitness. He took up running in his 50s and ran 7 marathons and 5 triathlons. He continued to lift weights, swim and walk with his friends at the Mall of America into his 90s. Arnie also loved to travel--first during his military service in Asia and later with Yvonne to visit their children in Europe and Australia. Arnie is survived by his wife, Yvonne, sons Paul and Dean, and daughters Elizabeth and Carolyn, grandchildren Alex, Alice and Julian. A memorial service will be held at the Oak Grove Presbyterian Church on July 12 at 10:30. A light luncheon will be served at SummerHouse, 9850 Lyndale Avenue S. following the service.

Published on June 20, 2021