Lester was born into a large, dynamic Norwegian family. His grandparents Hans and Delia Erickson had a family of 16 children, most of whom raised their families in South Dakota.

CHILDHOOD- Lester was the third child in a family of six children born to Oscar and Mable (Dahl) Erickson. Dorothy being the oldest, followed by Elvie, Lester, Violet, Lola Jean and Ronnie. His parents were devoted Lutherans, spoke English with a Norwegian accent and carried on many Norwegian traditions in their home, such as, lutefisk, lefsa and limberger cheese - all a delicacy and served on special occasions. Music was always a big part of his childhood. The entire family enjoyed listening to the radio, singing and gathering around the piano to play the newest song on sheet music purchased at the "five and dime." Lola Jean played the piano, as her siblings sang and danced around the room. Music was a core part of the Erickson family throughout the years.

YOUTH- Lester attended school in Sinai and Brookings, then graduated from Brookings High School in 1936, where he excelled on the basketball and tennis teams. He also was involved with school theatrical productions which came natural to him. In later years, he became an avid golfer and devout fan of all sporting events. Lester studied at South Dakota State College just before finding his love and his life as a young man.

LOVE AND MARRIAGE- Lester met his true love at a baseball game in the summer of 1937 and thought she was, as he said, "the prettiest girl he ever saw." He fell in love with Vivian Ruth Skaggs and married her in Bruce, South Dakota on January 16, 1938. During their first year of marriage, Linette Jean was born in Brookings. The family, young and just starting out, lived with Lester's parents until they could secure a reliable job.

Times were tough during those years in the United States, due to the "Great Depression," so families bonded together to survive and help each other get through. By this time, Lester's older brother Elvie had passed away in his late teen's from an illness.

MANHOOD AND FAMILY- Lester followed his father's footsteps into the grocery business. His training took his little family to Philip, South Dakota; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Sheridan, Wyoming. When World War II broke out, the entire Oscar Erickson family migrated to Wichita, Kansas to work in support of the war efforts. Lester worked for Beechcraft Aircraft and was promoted later to a managerial position in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Around that time he and Viv had a second daughter, Vicki Lea. The little family moved to their new home by train from Wichita to Minneapolis. Traveling by train filled the family with adventure.

Life was challenging and exciting! Times were changing! His sisters, Violet and Lola Jean, now married, kissed their husbands, Thurman Engelstad and Truette Brown, goodbye as they went off to war. Dorothy's fiance', George Bowne, served in the Navy, while Thurman was in the Army and Truette was in the Air Force. After the war ended and the many jobs created by the war ended, Lester and Vivian made their home again, in Brookings to be near their families. Les worked various jobs to care for his family until finally becoming Assistant Manager of the Montgomery Ward Department Store. He also worked a second job in the evenings at the local movie theaters as the Assistant Manager.

During this time, his beloved sister Lola Jean, died of Tuberculosis, leaving behind her husband Truette and their little boy, Larry Wayne. It was a tragedy for the entire family, as she was so dearly loved. Lola was the joyful, musical heart of the family. She and Lester had always shared their love of music together, having very similar taste. It was a deeply sad time for the family.

Life can have painful times but it also has happy healing moments. Later that summer, Lester and Vivian had a third daughter, Sandra Kaye. She became the "heart healer" of Les. He played and sang songs to her, renewing his joy for life. Their favorite song was "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window." Time healed loss and the girls grew to become young women.

THE FAMILY GROWS- Les and Viv's oldest daughter Linette, while in High School, met and fell in love with Jule Moravec, who was attending South Dakota State College. She married Jule in 1955 and started her life with him in Anniston, Alabama, while he was in training in the Army Chemical Corp as a 2nd Lieutenant. Soon after, Les and Viv moved with the two younger girls, Vicki and Sandi, to Sioux Falls, in search of better job opportunities.

Les found a good job working for Hassinstein Steel Co. and then later, All American Freight Co. for many years as the Credit Manager, until the company was sold. He and Viv then retired to their cabin on Lake Poinsett in South Dakota, settling into a very nice retirement community and making lasting friendships.

By then, time had passed and daughter Vicki had fallen in love and married Larry Reyelts. They had two children, son Matthew and daughter Myndi. Those were happy and fun filled times spent relaxing and enjoying retirement. Vicki's family often joined them in the summers for all the activities at the lake. They cherished their time with Matt and Myndi, having the chance to watch them grow up.

Daughter Sandi also fell in love and married Frank DeVries after he returned from serving his term in the Air Force in Korea after the Korean War had ended and during the time when the Vietnam War was at it's peak. She was so happy to have him home safe and sound, for good. They began married life in Wisconsin and moved all over the United States with Frank's career in the FAA. Their life together brought opportunities to live near family at times, travel and make friends all over the country.

During this time, Linette's husband Jule graduated from The University Of Maryland with his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Jule's career began with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona and his work with the V.A. took the family all over the country, traveling extensively to many "new home" locations. Jule, Linette and their children, Garet (oldest), Amber (middle), and Melody (youngest), enjoyed all the adventures of living in various parts of the country. Their children grew, eventually finding their favorite places to call home, fell in love and started lives of their own.

GOLDEN YEARS- Their daughter's families provided the opportunity for Les and Viv to travel and see the U.S.A. in many locations, for many years. Traveling was a happy part of their life together. Les and Viv had enjoyable times with all three of their daughters and their families over the years, wherever they were living.

Lester and Vivians' final retirement location was Arizona... away from the snow, wind and cold... into the sun and sand. Les enjoyed his hobby of making bird houses, which were in big demand with friends and everyone in the family because of their creativity and bright colors. Eventually he and Vivian moved from Phoenix to Yuma to be near Vicki and her family: Matt and his wife, Myndi and her husband and their children (Matt's children: Fernando and Alexis and Myndi's children: Caleb and Serena).

Les and Viv enjoyed many more years with little ones, running around looking for treats and hugs from great-grandma and great-grandpa. They had the pleasure of seeing Matt and Myndi's children grow into their teenage years, and their first great-grandchild, Heather (Amber's daughter), grow into a beautiful young woman.

Les' greatest love in life was his darling wife, Vivian, his constant companion for 75 years. They danced together from coast to coast the picture of "Fred and Ginger".

Lester's love of family was constant! He was always doing handy man jobs, painting, "fixing", and helping with all his youthful energy. He was a truly devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Each of us will carry unique memories of Lester and our love for him, as he did for us.