Mavis Erickson

Mavis LaValle Erickson embarked on her final journey on April 25th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, compassion, and hard work.  A woman of profound strength and fortitude, Mavis embodied the ideal that the moments you share, the words you choose, and the actions you perform define your life. Mavis's funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026 in the First Presbyterian Church in Holland, MN. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home, Dell Rapids, SD from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and then will resume one hour prior to the start of the funeral service at the church. Interment will be in the Holland Cemetery. 

Born on August 22, 1931, in Pipestone County to Jack and Cornelia (Doyen) Weatherly, Mavis was raised in Holland, MN and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1949.  After graduation, she moved to Glencoe, MN, where she worked for her Aunt Florence at Al’s Cafe and the local hotel.  While working at the cafe, one of the customers, LeRoy (Lou) Erickson, caught her eye.  Mavis and Lou were united in marriage on December 18, 1949, in Rushmore, MN.  Their wedding occurred at the same home where her parents were married, and it was performed by the same minister.  The Erickson’s lived in California for about a year before returning to Franklin, MN, to be closer to Lou’s family.  After the birth of their two children, Kim and LuAnn, they moved to Holland, MN.  Together, they owned and operated the Erickson Hardware Store and the Erickson Bus Service; they also worked for the Pipestone School District, as a custodian and a math aide.  They were true servants and stewards who willingly gave their time, talents, and energy in order to improve the lives of their community.  For nearly forty-two years, they modeled a life of love. After losing Lou, Mavis moved back to Franklin, MN, to spend time with long time friend Eddie Johnson and his family. She moved to Dell Rapids, SD, in November of 2015, to be closer to family after Eddie’s passing.

Mavis enjoyed telling many stories of her 29 years driving children from rural Holland to Pipestone, and she definitely enforced a strict behavior expectation on her bus.  Throughout her years in Holland, Mavis was an active community member, serving as the town mayor, the plot keeper of the Holland Cemetery, and as a dedicated member of the Holland Presbyterian Church.  She also organized many community celebrations and facilitated the opening of the Holland Museum.  One of the projects she was most proud of was beautifying the gated entrance to the cemetery.  Mavis was a true Hollander and remained true to the community even after she moved away.  In fact, she rarely missed a Memorial Day celebration.  She would lead the parade route and march from the city park to the cemetery, expecting and daring her family members to keep the pace, which they often could not.  

Throughout her 94 years, Mavis was extremely active and had many hobbies.  Some of her favorites included competing in the Holland Bridge Club (a group of ladies who have played together for over 50 years), bowling, shooting pool, golfing, and collecting tea pots, all of which she continued to enjoy until the week of her passing. Additionally, she was a member of the Franklin Lutheran Church and volunteered at the Redwood Falls Thrift Store. After moving to Dell Rapids, she worshiped at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids where she also attended Bible Study and assembled the bulletins.  A passionate and faithful sports fan, Mavis enjoyed the Twins and the Vikings, and she was known to get a little feisty with officials, especially when watching her great-grandchildren competing in their various activities.  

Mavis will be lovingly remembered by her children, Kim and Sue Erickson of Estero, FL, and Rollie and LuAnn Heidebrink of Dell Rapids, SD; her five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, Erica (Jason, Braden, and Lincoln) Fersdahl, Mandi (fiance, Shane Tassoul, Raleigh, Gavin, and MacGuire) Wilke, Comeec (Jared, Paisley, and Krew) Hunter, Nathan (Laura, Isla, and Lily) Erickson and Neil (Erin, Maya, and Emma) Erickson; her sisters-in-law, Jan Weatherly and Beverly Hunstad, many nieces and nephews, and her bingo and card-playing friends at Friendship Village. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lou; her parents; her brothers, Lyman and Jackie; a special friend, Eddie, and many other family and friends.  She will always be remembered as a strong, independent, and faithful woman who inspired all who knew her.  

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