Gloria "Tootsie" Erickson, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, with her family by her side, at the age of 74.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN, with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating.  Burial will follow at Black River Cemetery, rural St. Hilaire, MN.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.

Gloria Ann Lappegaard was born on June 30, 1946 in Thief River Falls, MN, the daughter of Virgil and Mayme (Eidelbes) Lappegaard.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.  Tootsie attended country school until 6 ^th grade and Lincoln High School, graduating in 1963.

On January 3, 1966 Tootsie was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, John Erickson.  Together they lived briefly in San Diego, California while John was in the U.S. Navy.  When John was discharged they made their home together in Thief River Falls.  They were blessed with two children, RoxAnne and Steven.

Tootsie worked various jobs before she was hired in the Engineer's Office at the Pennington County Highway Department.  She later transferred to the Pennington County Assessor's Office where she worked until her retirement in 2007.

Tootsie enjoyed riding motorcycle with John. Spending time with her grandchildren, family, and friends was very important to her.  Some of her favorite pastimes included bird watching, wildlife watching, gardening, collecting cookbooks, thrift store shopping, and rummage sales.

Tootsie is survived by her husband, John Erickson; children, RoxAnne (Lee) Moen and Steven Erickson; grandchildren, Brandon Nelson, Bryan Klopp, Travis (Kelly) Moen, and Taran Moen; great-grandchildren, Brynn and Hadley Moen; sister, Susan Beito; nephew, Scott Beito; her dog, Buddy and her cat, Black Jack; and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Mike Beito; and grandson, Taylor Moen.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com