Cover photo for Barbara Duncan Erickson's Obituary
Barbara Duncan Erickson Profile Photo
1935 Barbara 2016

Barbara Duncan Erickson

December 22, 1935 — August 21, 2016

Barbara Duncan Erickson, died August 21, 2016, at Essentia Health Saint Mary’s in Detroit Lakes, MN, surrounded by her family. Barbara was born on December 22, 1935, to James W. Duncan and Beatrice Bosworth Duncan in Moorhead, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the First Congregational Church of Christ in Moorhead, and graduated from Moorhead High School. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in English and Biology at Concordia College, and obtained her Master’s degree in Microbiology at North Dakota State University in 1958.
Barbara “Barb” married Floyd H. Erickson, the love of her life, on October 16, 1958. She taught microbiology full-time, initially, and then part-time at Concordia College for almost 30 years, while raising their three children with Floyd. She retired in 1997 after a rewarding career working with students and sharing life’s milestones with wonderful colleagues. Barb had a strong commitment to
student learning, and she truly enjoyed working with students. Barb was an active member of PEO to support other women pursuing their goals and aspirations. She taught Sunday School and served on the Board of Trustees at the church.
Barb is remembered by family and friends as someone who thoroughly enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, old and new, reading, and golfing with family. She and Floyd traveled to Texas in the winter after their retirement for many years and brought back fond stories of their many adventures. Most of all, her family will remember the true peace and joy she experienced at their cabin on Lake Melissa for over 70 years where she also cooked countless hearty meals with her mother and Pearl Souers, a dear family friend. She loved her family and they loved her so very much. Her grandchildren and great granddaughter brought immeasurable joy to her heart, and Barb loved animals, including, but not limited to, their talkative basset hound, Rudy, and the family dogs that preceded him. She took great delight in bird watching and driving and hiking through Itasca State Park over the years. Barb will forever remain strongly in the hearts of those who love her.
Barb is survived by her husband, Floyd, and their three children Lynne Shawn Anderson, David Erickson, and Jennifer Erickson, one brother, James Charlene Duncan Jr., her grandchildren Katie Brice Conner, Molly Royce Wenner, Chelsea Luke Anderson, Betsy Anderson, Mariah Marks Erickson, great granddaughter, Marley Rose Wenner, and her very special nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical team, clergy and care givers at Essentia Health, St. Mary’s, for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Barb and her family at the time of Barb’s passing.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Palmer Cleveland. Memorials may be dedicated to the First Congregational Church of Christ, Moorhead or the American Cancer Society. The visitation and prayer service will be held Thursday, August 25th, from 5 to 7 pm, and the Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 26th, at 11:00 am. Both will be held at the First Congregational Church of Moorhead.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, August 25, 2023

5:00am - 7:00 pm (Central time)

First Congregational United Church of Christ - Mhd

406 8th St S, Moorhead, MN 56560

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Service

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

First Congregational United Church of Christ - Mhd

406 8th St S, Moorhead, MN 56560

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Cemetery

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Riverside Cemetery - Moorhead

11th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560

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