Edith Florabell Durkee, daughter of Albert and Myrtle (Hubbard) Durkee, was born February 15, 1925 in rural Hancock in Stevens County, Minnesota, where she grew up and began her schooling at
School District
#45. She later graduated from
Hancock
High School
. She continued her education at
St. Cloud
Teachers College
and later attended the
University
of
Minnesota Morris
, graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Teaching. Edith taught school in Ortonville for two years. On June 28, 1947, she was united in marriage to James Erickson at
Hancock
,
MN
by Reverend Packer. Following their marriage the couple made their home in Starbuck, where Edith was baptized and confirmed in 1948 at
Fron
Lutheran
Church
by Reverend Oscar Rem. Edith continued to teach in the Starbuck Schools for the next 24 years.
Edith was a member of
Fron
Lutheran
Church
in Starbuck, where she taught Sunday school for 27 years, she was the Ladies Aid President and served on the wedding circle, Bible Study group and the sewing circle. She was also a member of the Lutheran Home Women’s Auxiliary, Lucky Ducks, and the Hospital Auxiliary and she was a 4-H leader. She enjoyed painting, swimming, dancing, gardening, playing games, watching her grandchildren play sports and putting puzzles together. Edith’s world evolved around her family. She loved them all so much and she was a very kind and loving person.
Edith died on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in
Starbuck
,
MN
, having lived to reach the age of 84 years.
She is survived by her husband: James Erickson of Starbuck; two sons: Ted, DDS (Jamie) Erickson of
Faribault
and
Charles
,
MD
(Karla) Erickson of Ramsey; two daughters: Pat Anderson of
Bloomington
and Gail (Tom) Elbe of Starbuck; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and one brother: Art (Carol) Durkee of Morris. She was preceded in death by one grandson: Matthew James Elbe; daughter-in-law: Kathy (Rollie) Erickson; son-in-law: Les Anderson; her parents; brothers and sisters-in-law: Lloyd and Dorothy Durkee and Rolland and Dorothy Durkee.
Pallbearers for the service are Edith’s grandsons: Andrew Erickson, Blake Erickson, Joe Anderson, Jeffrey Anderson, T.J. Elbe and Eric Elbe. Honorary pallbearers are all who called Edith friend. Shari Opdahl will serve as organist for the service with Vic Vatthauer serving as soloist. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.
