Ann Marie Erickson

Ann Marie (Jeglum) Erickson passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and community service. Born on January 15, 1943, in Grand Forks, ND, to Orlando and Elaine (Tangen) Jeglum, Ann grew up spending cherished family time at the family lake cabin on Lake Plantagenet near Bemidji, MN. She also had many good memories of Chestnut Street neighborhood friends. Ann graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1961, where her favorite subject, Home Economics, sparked a lifelong passion for sewing.

Following high school, she pursued her calling to help others by attending St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Fargo, ND. It was through mutual friends that she met Alfred (Dave) Erickson. The couple married on June 28, 1963, at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Together, they welcomed two children, Jeffrey Todd and Jennifer Lynn.

The Ericksons lived in several communities throughout the years, including Grand Forks, ND, Fort Myers, FL, Moorhead, MN, Mandan, ND, and Tioga, ND. They spent nearly 19 years in Tioga, where Ann worked as a nurse at the Tioga Clinic. In her free time, she loved playing bridge, walking with friends, serving on the high school’s booster club, and participating in First Lutheran Church. Summers were filled with family travels to Lake Plantagenet and Lake Sakakawea, where Ann enjoyed fishing and lake life.

Ann and Dave also shared many unforgettable adventures with family and friends, including snow skiing in Big Sky, Montana, fishing in Alaska, and many other trips including Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Canada.

After a brief move to Ramsey, MN, in 1992, Dave retired in 1996, and the couple embarked on a new chapter. They discovered a beautiful lot on Potato Lake near Park Rapids, MN. Together, they cleared the land and built the home where they would spend the next 30 years. While living in Park Rapids, Ann poured her creativity into quilting and dedicated her time to the hospital auxiliary group at CHI St. Joseph’s Health and the altar guild at Calvary Lutheran Church. Alongside her sister and many close friends and neighbors, she participated in numerous fundraisers. Ann and Barb especially looked forward to planning elaborate theme tables for the auxiliary group’s annual Festival of Tables.

In 2002, Ann embraced her favorite role yet when she became a grandmother to Hailey Layne, followed by Ethan Wynn in 2004. She absolutely adored caring for them and watching them grow, never missing a chance to cheer them on in their activities. When together, they spent hours playing games, doing puzzles, sewing doll clothes and playing with baby dolls, spending time at the lake, and gathering for family events.

Ann will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her gentle, caring nature, her artistic quilts, her love for the lake, and her unwavering devotion to her family.

She is survived by her husband Alfred Erickson of Park Rapids; son, Jeffrey Erickson of Fargo; daughter, Jennifer (Chad) Raan of West Fargo; granddaughter, Hailey Raan of West Fargo; grandson, Ethan Raan of Boulder, CO; one sister, Barb Gast of Moorhead; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Orlando and Elaine (Tangen) Jeglum; her brother-in-law, Richard Gast; and her nephew, Michael Gast.

With deep appreciation, the family thanks everyone at HIA Heather's House for their exceptional care and compassion during Ann's final days.

Memorials contributions can be directed to HIA Hospice at: 

HIA Health
Attn: Philanthropy
3800 56th Ave. S.
Fargo, ND 58104

A private family service will be held at Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service.