Memorial services for Orville L. Erickson, age 85, of Albert Lea, will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at Bayview/ Freeborn Funeral Home. The Rev. Oliver Johnson will officiate. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the services on Wednesday.

Orville died on Friday, May 20, 2005, at his home.

Orville Leonard Erickson was born on Nov. 26, 1919, in Roseau County the son of Sigvart and Margit (Alseth) Erickson. He attended and graduated from Roseau Public Schools. Orville worked on the family farm for a short time and then attended Augsburg College. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army. After his discharge he continued his education. Orville was united in marriage to Marion Sundberg in 1948. After her death, he was married to Lila Israel in Minneapolis in 1973. Orville’s first teaching position was in Rush City. He then worked as a carpenter for many years in Minneapolis. In 1966 the family moved to Albert Lea where Orville started his teaching career with the Albert Lea Public School System, teaching science and math. Orville enjoyed traveling, studying the Civil War and collecting model tractors. He was a member of the Carpenters Union and the Teachers Union.

Survivors include his wife, Lila of Albert Lea; sons, Stephen and wife Susan Erickson, Albert Lea, Ronald and wife Lisa Doerr, St. Croix Falls, Wis., and Mark Erickson, Minneapolis; grandchildren, Scott, Brent, Emily and Keith Erickson; and one sister, Mildred Thingelstad, Roseau.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marion, and brothers and sisters, George, Henry, Fred, Lil, Hilda and Lenorah.