The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Leneus (Lenny) H. Erickson (92) passed away peacefully with family at his side on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at St. John's Fischer Cottage in Billings, Montana.

Lenny was born, the second of three children in Turner Montana on November 12, 1931 to Gustava (Skones) and John Erickson.

Lenny was blessed with loving aunts and caring neighbors that took him (age 3) and his sister (age 4) under their wings when their mother died from complications after their younger brother was born.

He attended school in Turner and graduated from Turner High school a proud Tornado in 1951.

He went to Bozeman to college that fall and then volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force in 1952. He was a member of the 79th Fighter Bomber Squadron stationed in Woodridge England during the Korean War.

He was on leave in Santa Rosa, California visiting friends, Reverend and Mrs. Hanson when he met Darlene Philbrook. They were married on June 14, 1958.

They moved to Turner where Lenny farmed during the farming season, then moved to Havre through the winter where he and Darlene both went to Northern Montana College and Lenny worked for Havre Laundry.

In 1962 he started driving the Turner mail route. He continued farming (Darlene called it a hobby) and began his career as Postmaster in Turner in 1967.

Having no television, they soon found their house was full of children (Darlene wanted six). After they acquired television, Lenny enjoyed flying, fishing and hunting with friends, having coffee with friends, restoring old cars and carpentry (building an addition on to their existing home in 1969-1971) He retired after 34 years of government service in 1994.

Lenny was very active in his community. He was always willing to help a neighbor and expected nothing in return. He was a member of the Turner Volunteer Fire Department (50 years), American Legion Post #109 (60 years), a charter member of the Turner Hogeland Lions, 1 of the original 4 EMT's on the Blaine Il Ambulance Crew (30 plus years), a life time member of the Turner American Lutheran Church and served many times on the council and sang in the choir, served on the Turner school board, was a member of Toastmasters , and was instrumental in getting a city sewer system in Turner and served on the board until his death.

Some of the grandchildren's favorite memories of grandpa include his great hugs, good conversations, shooting "Gun Safety" (there's a story there), driving lessons, tinkering in the shop, Saturday morning pancakes, gopher hunting, bowls of ice cream before bed and coffee hour at the bar and store.

He always told us "you can never have too many friends", and he considered the entire Big Flat community as part of his family. This was home and this is where his heart always was.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gustava, Darlene his wife of 52 years, son Shawn, Sister Dorothy and brother in law Edward Killoy.

He is survived by his brother Harvey (Gayle) Erickson, son Craig (Shirley) Erickson, daughters Shannon Downing, Renella (Kraig) Hansen, Kirsti (Max) Cederberg, and Tory (Joe) Cichosz. 13 Grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Turner American Lutheran Church, Blaine Il Ambulance, Turner Volunteer Fire Dept., Turner Hogeland Lions, Turner Park or the charity of one's choice.

Special thanks to the staff of St. Johns for the loving care given to our dad and grandpa.

Services were held at the Turner Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023 with burial at the Wing Cemetery with military honors.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilderness Funeral Home in Chinook..