Bernard Erickson

Bernard Erickson, age 80, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton with Pastor Tim Shekleton officiating.

Visitation will be held Friday evening, November 11th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service and Time of Sharing at the Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton. Visitation will continue Saturday afternoon one hour prior to service time at the church.

Burial will be at a later date in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton.

Bernard "Bernie" Vernon Erickson was born on September 1, 1936 in Traverse County, Minnesota to Edward and Olga (Will) Erickson. On March 29, 1953 he was confirmed at the First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton. Bernard met the love of his life on Main Street in Wheaton when he stopped and asked Beverly Hanson if she wanted to cruise in his 1956 Ford convertible. That happened on July 13, 1958. It was love at first sight.

Bernard grew up a farmer and farmed with his two brothers northeast of Wheaton. In the mid 1980's Bernie and Beverly, along with their sons, purchased a gas station on the intersection of Highway 75 and Highway 27 in Wheaton. Along with selling oil they were running a semi with the first trips from the elevator in Wheaton to Minneapolis and later over the road trucking. The station was sold to Jerry Fischer, and Bernard worked there and later followed Jerry when he got the Ford dealership. When Bernard retired he continued working on cars (his hobby) for twelve years until he couldn't do it health wise. Beverly was right there helping.

Bernard is survived by his wife of fifty-six years Beverly Erickson of Wheaton; son Ronald (friend Sara) Erickson; grandchildren: Bernard M. Erickson, Nichole (Eric) Perez, Adam Steger, Heather (Chris) Perry and special daughter Jackie; sister Betty Teske of Odessa, Minnesota; Irene Fults of Morris, Minnesota; sister-in-law Marion (Fred) Bartells of Wheaton; many nieces, nephews and all his special friends.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; son Bernard E. Erickson; brothers Eldon Erickson and Robert Conner; and sister Anna Knapp.