In Loving Memory of

Shirley Ann Erickson

Shirley Erickson was born December 26, 1935, in Avoca, Minnesota to Harold and Elaine (Schafer) Koehn.  She grew up in Avoca, attended Avoca School through the eight grade, and graduated from Slayton High School in 1954. On June 15, 1955, she and Lefty Erickson were married at St. Rose of Lima Church in Avoca. Following their marriage, they made their home in Slayton, MN. Shirley was employed by many families throughout her young life; later by the Murray County Hospital and Dr. Ullery and Winter. Shirley was a past member of the Avoca America Legion Auxiliary Post. As a young girl, Shirley was passionate about softball. Catcher was her favorite position on the Avoca women’s softball team. Shirley passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Our House Hospice Home in Slayton at the age of 81.  She was a member of St. Ann’s Church. Shirley adored her family and the time spent with them. Baking, reading, gardening, and needlepoint were a few of her hobbies. Shirley was especially known for baking peanut cake each holiday; a Koehn family tradition. Her baked beans were a must at every family picnic. 

Survivors include her husband, Lefty Erickson of Slayton, MN, three daughters and their spouses, Pam and Gary Hnydowitz of Phoenix, AZ, Rhonda Erickson and Bart Sigler of Gypsyum, CO, and Paula and Ron Freeman of Mitchel, SD, five grandchildren, Heather Hnydowitz, Alec Thraen, Courtney Thraen, Laura Freeman and Alli and Ryan Willis, two step great-grandchildren, Addysen and Emersyn Willis, six siblings and their spouses, Donna Bertrand and Don Ebbinga of Slayton, MN, Ron Koehn of Minneapolis, MN, Joan and Harold Nowak of Welcome, MN, Gerald and Elaine Koehn of Coon Rapids, MN, Roger and Cheryl Koehn of Alexandria, MN, and Mark and Virginia Koehn of Chaska, MN, and many nieces and nephews and their families.  She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Scott, Craig, and David Koehn, one son-in-law, Ryan Thraen, one sister-in-law, Gayle Koehn and one brother-in-law, Harold Bertand. 

Funeral Services

St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating.  The organist is Judy Andrews.  The song leader is Sheila Crowley.  The pallbearers are Bruce Bertrand, Dennis Bertrand, Mike Bertrand, Ron Freeman, Gary Hnydowitz, and Sean Koehn.  The honorary pallbearers are Don Ebbinga, Gerald Koehn, Mark Koehn, Roger Koehn, Ron Koehn and Alec Thraen.  Interment is at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Avoca, MN.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer services at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.  In lieu of flowers memorials maybe sent to Murray County Hospice