Gale D. Erickson, age 89, of Grafton passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks.
Gale Dewayne Erickson was born on June 6, 1936 in Greenbush, MN to Ernest and Adaline Erickson. He grew up in Greenbush and later attended school in a small single room school. After his education, he worked in Northen Minnesota where he met his future wife, Shirley Gehrls.
Gale united in marriage to Shirley on July 11, 1959 in Warren, MN. Gale was drafted and served his country in the United States Army. After his time in the Army, Gale and Shirley traveled and worked many jobs in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Minnesota, and North Dakota. They settled in North Dakota with their five children. Throughout his life, Gale was known for his kindness, generosity, and humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family, including playing games and cards. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his kids and grandkids.
Gale is survived by his sons: Dale (Carol) Erickson, Manitoba, CA; David (Teresa) Erickson, Grafton, ND; Danny (Julie) Erickson, Bismarck, ND; Don (Deanne “Dee”) Erickson, Wassilla, AK, Dennis (Violet) Erickson, Grand Fork, ND; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Shirley; siblings: Harriet Erickson (Melbe), Greenbush, MN, Jay Erickson, Greenbush, MN, and Mylo “Roy” Erickson, Tucson, AZ.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Military rites and burial will take place in the spring of 2026 at the Hoople City Cemetery, Hoople, ND.
Gale Dewayne Erickson was born on June 6, 1936 in Greenbush, MN to Ernest and Adaline Erickson. He grew up in Greenbush and later attended school in a small single room school. After his education, he worked in Northen Minnesota where he met his future wife, Shirley Gehrls.
Gale united in marriage to Shirley on July 11, 1959 in Warren, MN. Gale was drafted and served his country in the United States Army. After his time in the Army, Gale and Shirley traveled and worked many jobs in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Minnesota, and North Dakota. They settled in North Dakota with their five children. Throughout his life, Gale was known for his kindness, generosity, and humor. He enjoyed spending time with his family, including playing games and cards. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his kids and grandkids.
Gale is survived by his sons: Dale (Carol) Erickson, Manitoba, CA; David (Teresa) Erickson, Grafton, ND; Danny (Julie) Erickson, Bismarck, ND; Don (Deanne “Dee”) Erickson, Wassilla, AK, Dennis (Violet) Erickson, Grand Fork, ND; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Shirley; siblings: Harriet Erickson (Melbe), Greenbush, MN, Jay Erickson, Greenbush, MN, and Mylo “Roy” Erickson, Tucson, AZ.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Military rites and burial will take place in the spring of 2026 at the Hoople City Cemetery, Hoople, ND.