Verdon Orlean (Eric) Erickson of Owatonna died on March 10, 2018 after suffering a stroke in late February. He was 85 years old. Verdon was born July 22, 1932 in rural Fillmore County Minnesota, the son of Olean and Ella (Holland) Erickson. He served in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt from 1950-1953 during the Korean War. He married Shirley Olson Ball in 1963. They divorced in 1981. He was a proud employee of Josten's in Owatonna for 33 years, serving as the Corporate Accounting Manager until retiring in 1987. While working at Josten's he was active in many civic, fraternal, service, and other organizations. He was president of the Josten's Employee Credit Union for 20 years, was on the Owatonna Park and Rec board, the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce board, Steele County United Way board, Chairman of the local American Legion, Trustee of the Elks, and board member of both Owatonna Youth Hockey Association and the OHS Blue Line Club. Verdon was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sons of Norway, and the Elks. Verdon was well known in Owatonna and could often be seen strolling the sidewalks of downtown Owatonna, reading in the Owatonna library, or playing cards at the VFW. He was a voracious reader - averaging 3 books a week from the library in retirement. He enjoyed playing cards and pool with friends. He loved watching sporting events - especially his favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings. And most of all he was a passionate fan of his kids' various sports and music activities. He is survived by two daughters, Sue of Owatonna, and Kris Erickson Eipperle (Kevin) of Dubuque, Iowa, two sons, Jeff (Lisa) of Granite Bay, California, Jon (Shawn) of Maple Grove, MN, and 7 grandchildren (Casey, Sophie, Sonja, Cameron, Brandon, Cody, Grace). Verdon was preceded in death by his mother, father, older brother, Eric Joseph who died in infancy, and sister, Gloria Opsahl. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna on Wednesday, March 14th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM . Funeral services will be held March 15, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna with Pastor Jacie Richmond officiating. Interment will be in Owatonna Memorial Gardens with military honors by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. A lunch reception will be held at the Owatonna VFW immediately following the interment. Verdon requested any memorials be given to the Owatonna Public Library. Visitation: 03/14/2018 16:00 03/14/2018 19:00 Service: 03/15/2018 11:00