June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
Our thoughts goes to Donna this time of year. We miss both of you..
Phillip Arthur Erickson
Survived by his wife, Donna Marie Wain Erickson and his son Michael Phillip Erickson (Sahar). Phillip also leaves other relatives by blood and marriage, friends, near and far. Phillip was proceeded in death by his daughter, Amy Diane Erickson, his mother Velma (Pera), father Carl and two brothers Robert and Carl, two nephews Rick and Brian and a niece Paula.Phillip was a 1959 graduate of Denfeld High School in Duluth, Minnesota. Phillip was a veteran of military service (USAF) during 1959 to 1963 (three years of which were served in Europe).
Phillip received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota at Duluth in 1967. Phillip received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis in 1970. Phillip was a practicing attorney his entire career.
Phillip ran the race before him with perseverance and determination undeterred by the many obstacles life presents.
At the direction of Phillip there will be no review or services concerning his death. Phillip’s remains have been donated to the Anatomy Bequest Program at the University of Minnesota. His remains will be cremated. Phillip loved and trusted his God.
On May 21, 2021 Pastor Mary Halvorson officiated at a Committal Service for Phillip at the Peace Garden, Grace University Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. Attending were Donna Wain Erickson and Michael and Sahar Erickson.
Memorial donations can be made to Grace University Lutheran Church, add "Phil Erickson Memorial" in the memo line (address 324 SE Harvard St., Minneapolis, MN 55414). Memorials can also be made to the American Lung Association at https://action.lung.org/site/Donation2?df_id=31271.
Tributes
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May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022
Missing dear Phillip today. I am remembering when he and Donna “liberated” my grandmother from the nursing home. I think they took her to the casino, but it might have been out to lunch.
June 25, 2021
June 25, 2021
I have never met Phillip, but Donna spoke lovingly of him at our Courage Center pool classes. They shared interactions with so many of her relatives which was very meaningful to her and the life that they built together.
June 24, 2021
June 24, 2021
Dear cousin Phillip. We have had some great times in Sweden, Gothenburg and Vasteras. Sorry that we couldn’t meet more often. We did find each other directly and deeply. It is a everlasting friendship.
June 21, 2021
June 21, 2021
What a dear man. I met and got to know Phillip around the table at coffee after church on Sunday mornings at Grace University lutheran Church. He always had interesting comments and outlooks on every conversation. Now there are two empty places at that table.
June 16, 2021
June 16, 2021
Uncle Phil-
That is how I will remember him. He taught Mike and I how to fish and allowed for us (even @ our young age) to drive the boat. As we grew older he had words of wisdom from his career/life adventures. I am sorry for everyone's loss and hope he is reunited with Amy and the rest of the family.
Scott
That is how I will remember him. He taught Mike and I how to fish and allowed for us (even @ our young age) to drive the boat. As we grew older he had words of wisdom from his career/life adventures. I am sorry for everyone's loss and hope he is reunited with Amy and the rest of the family.
Scott
June 16, 2021
June 16, 2021
I first got to know Philip on the Grace Men's retreats. One of the first years I attended, I didn't have a car and Philip was kind enough to go out of his way and pick me up. We had a great conversation both ways. It snowed quite heavily, and we had a good laugh as at the retreat center site as we weren't sure his rear wheel drive car would make it up the steep hills, but it did! Philip was also extremely supportive and encouraging of me in my struggles and success with alcoholism. He was a good friend I will miss tremendously.
June 16, 2021
June 16, 2021
Phillip was a great neighbor who always had a cheerful "Hello". He was always willing to take time to help out, or keep an eye on the place while we were gone. I will very much miss our "end-of the-driveway" conversations on politics, religion, family, and whatever else. Our prayers are for Donna as she adjusts to this difficult new life. Our thanks are for the joy of having known Phillip.
June 14, 2021
June 14, 2021
Phillip, myself and another neighbor started meeting weekly for coffee shortly after Phillip and Donna moved to Plymouth. Phillip was a great conversationalist and listener, and I cherish those coffee sessions which, though interrupted by the pandemic, continued up until these final days. As one can tell from the pictures shown on this site, Phillip always had a smile on his face and a very friendly demeanor about him. He had a strong faith in God and a deep love for his family. He was a dear friend and will be missed by all who knew him.
June 13, 2021
June 13, 2021
Transcends Mortality
Friends, Family and Loved Ones
Relationships held above all
The memories we hold dear
Many deeds, occasions to recall
It is the very special bond
Which relieves all quandary
LOVE overpowers a DEATH
Has a life beyond boundary
Your grief will soon mellow
Therefore, do not despair
Let no doubts into mind
Keep that love in your prayer
Verse by: Ramon the Poet
Friends, Family and Loved Ones
Relationships held above all
The memories we hold dear
Many deeds, occasions to recall
It is the very special bond
Which relieves all quandary
LOVE overpowers a DEATH
Has a life beyond boundary
Your grief will soon mellow
Therefore, do not despair
Let no doubts into mind
Keep that love in your prayer
Verse by: Ramon the Poet
June 11, 2021
June 11, 2021
Phillip was curious and kept wanting to learn and grow the whole time I knew him. He was a delight to talk with because he was opinionated and at the same time he listened. He was a caring husband for my sister who encouraged her to enjoy. I will miss him greatly. Much love to Donna, Michael and Sahar.
June 8, 2021
June 8, 2021
Phil was a light in my sister’s life. I am so grateful to him for the kindness, love and support that he showed not only to Donna but to my parents. You will be missed dear Phillip
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Recent Tributes
June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
Our thoughts goes to Donna this time of year. We miss both of you..
May 10, 2022
May 10, 2022
Missing dear Phillip today. I am remembering when he and Donna “liberated” my grandmother from the nursing home. I think they took her to the casino, but it might have been out to lunch.
June 25, 2021
June 25, 2021
I have never met Phillip, but Donna spoke lovingly of him at our Courage Center pool classes. They shared interactions with so many of her relatives which was very meaningful to her and the life that they built together.
Gallery
This was token at a nice party in Gothenburg, Sweden. We ate crawfish and had a good time.
Reading was his passion. When he was indoors and sometimes outdoors he would be reading
Phillip A. Erickson, Attorney at Law International Business Law
Phillip was a member of and enjoyed the activities at the American Swedish Institute. It was an important stop for our Swedish visitors.
More about Phillip's life will be included in the LIFE section of this site and we look forward to your memories of Phillip in the STORIES section.
With his friendly nature and ability to communicate regardless of language he made friends all over the world.
His work frequently included world travel. When not traveling, he was always near and frequently on a telephone.
It was so good to find each other!
"Phil"
Recent stories
June 11, 2021
One of my fondest times with Phillip was when he and Donna visited me in Washington state. They let me tag along as sort of a local guide while driving around the Olympic peninsula. At one point Phillip and I argued about the conditions we saw in a very poor area. At the time, his attitude was dismissive of the people living there and I disagreed. We sort of left it at a stalemate and finished the trip. Months later he contacted me and told me that he had completed some research and found out the reasons for the poverty and admitted he was wrong in his assumptions. While I was already very fond of Phillip because he loved my sister, and I enjoyed his enthusiasm for life, this was when I really began to respect him. Not many people will take the time and care to examine their prejudice and learn something new. In addition, he was willing to tell me about it, and from that I learned too. He did that sort of thing more than once. Thank you Phillip for your kindness and example.