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FAIRMONT -- A Memorial Service for Theodore "Ted" V. Erickson, 63, of Fairmont, Minn. and formerly of Sherburn, Minn., will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Lakeview Funeral Home Chapel in Fairmont, Minn. Burial will be in the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Redwood Falls at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Kramer Funeral Home in Trimont, Minn., and will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Ted passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, July 18, 2026, at his home in Fairmont, Minn. The Kramer Funeral Home of Sherburn, Trimont, and Welcome, Minn. is in care of Ted's arrangements.
Theodore "Ted" Vernon Erickson, gift from God, was born on June 17, 1963, in Crosby, Minn. He was the son of Dale and LeeAnn (Wiens) Erickson. Ted was baptized at First Lutheran Church in St. James, Minn., and later was confirmed at First Lutheran in Trimont where he was currently a member. Ted enrolled in Trimont elementary in 1969. He and his brother, Jim, were diagnosed with cognitive disabilities in 1968 and since Trimont didn't have special education classes, Ted was not allowed to attend school. Arrangements were made to have Ted attend Sherburn schools and later attended Fairmont special education classes. After high school, Ted went to work for MRCI where he was employed for thirty-five years.
Ted enjoyed bowling and Arc activities including Special Olympics. He travelled to many cities for Arc Conferences and Special Olympics events as well as serving as a delegate to the ELCA Synod Convention. Ted was also active with OPEN Arts MN, People First, and Jesus Cares. He loved witches and thought they were all like Samantha on "Bewitched." Ted liked birds, especially Robins, as well as dogs and cats.
Ted's dream was to be an Abba singer in front of an audience. His dream came true when Wilbur Neuenschwander Frink formed Aktion Club Theater, sponsored by Early Risers Kiwanis. Ted performed "Dancing Queen" at the Martin County Fair where he was found at the Arc booth every day. Another favorite event was bidding at the Knights of Columbus silent auctions and always going home a winning bidder. Ted spent many years attending Disability Day at the Capitol and testified with his mom twice regarding the need for improvements to dental care.
Ted and Jim bought a home on Willow Street in Fairmont in 2000. They had great neighbors, especially Ken and Bobbi and the Evans family, which made it a wonderful place to live. Ted lived a good life, thanks to all the people who supported him, especially his past and present staff led by Pat Willett Kietzer and Neal Myers.
Left to cherish his memory include his parents, Dale and LeeAnn Erickson; brother, Jim Erickson; uncles and aunts, Glen (Donna) Wiens, Dick (Becky) Wiens, Mike (Peggy) Wiens, Gerlinde Thulien, JoAnne and Rudy Ziegler, and Judy Engel and Don Goldsmith; and many cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Ted was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jacob and Doris Wiens, Vernon Erickson, and Geneva and Al Goering.
Messages of Sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.kramerfuneralhome.com
Memorials are preferred to Arc SW Minnesota, Open Arts MN, or to First Lutheran Church in Trimont and may be mailed to:
Kramer Funeral Home
Theodore V. Erickson
P.O. Box K
Trimont, Minnesota 56176