Shirley Erickson, 90, Owatonna
Shirley D. Erickson, age 90, ascended to heaven on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at Ecumen Brooks, Owatonna.
Shirley Dianne, daughter of Victor Olson and Myrth Boyum Dietz was born Dec. 21, 1935, in Saratoga Township, Winona County. She was baptized at North Prairie Lutheran Congregation and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, Owatonna. She and her brother, R.E. “Bud” Olson, were lovingly raised by their mother and step-father, Myrth and George Dietz in Owatonna.
Shirley was a proud graduate of the OHS Class of 1953, where she was active in band, orchestra, choir, carolers, cheerleading, Totem, Magnet and Girls Athletic Association, winning many awards. A self-taught musician, she began playing the organ in her church at age 12.
Shirley was united in marriage to Richard Ball in Denver in 1958, and in 1963 to Verdon Erickson in Owatonna. From these unions she was blessed with four children.
Shirley lived and worked in Minneapolis, Denver, and Owatonna, assisting executives within Josten’s and the Wenger Corporation.
In 1967, when Rev. R. Rudolf asked her to be the organist at St. John Lutheran, she agreed to “help them out until they found somebody.” That temporary gig lasted at least 55 years. Shirley held herself and others to high standards, remembered for her high level of excellence and musicianship. When her children were younger, she taught piano lessons after school each day in the living room.
Shirley was an active member of the American Guild of Organists, Sons of Norway, Eucharistic Ministry, the Owatonna Arts Center, Women’s Club of Owatonna, the Community Band, the Nordic Notes singers, organized the Class of ‘53 get-togethers and supported many other community organizations. Shirley served on the Organ Committee which recommended the purchase and installation of the 1976 Charles Hendrickson 51-rank pipe organ. The instrument has been a great asset to the church and community.
Shirley was blessed with a fun network of friends, self-labeled The Therapy Group, with whom she regularly traveled, dined and celebrated all manner of life events. Their travels took her to Norway, Germany, Hawaii, northern Minnesota, California, New York City and many trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico hosted by her best friend, Ruth Bullock. Shirley belonged to two bridge clubs, only one of which actually played cards. Golf was a favorite
pastime and passion. She enjoyed supporting the athletic and musical pursuits of her kids and grandkids.
Shirley is survived by her children, Sue Erickson of Owatonna, Kris (Kevin) Erickson Eipperle of Dubuque, Iowa, Jeff (Lisa) Erickson of Granite Bay, Calif., and Jon (Shawn) Erickson of Maple Grove; grandchildren, Casey (Laura), Sophie (Matt), Sonja, Cameron, Brandon, Cody and Grace; devoted grand pugs Stewie and Sadie; a half-sister, Vicki; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her dear brother, Bud in 1988 and half-brother, Steve.
Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m., Monday, May 25, 2026, at Michaelson Funeral Home, 1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, and continues one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Funeral Service will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln Ave. S., Owatonna, with Pastor Dave Klawiter and Pastor Minna Bothwell officiating. Interment will be held at Owatonna Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are requested to the St. John Lutheran pipe organ refurbishment project. The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Ecumen Brooks and Ecumen Hospice for their compassionate care. Please visit www.michaelsonfuneral.com to leave a condolence for her family.