Obituary of Edward A. Ericksen

Edward A. Ericksen, age 79, of Bloomington, MN. "Easy Ed" made his last call from behind home plate of this game called Life on Jan. 3rd, 2018 when his giant, loving heart struck out. A gifted writer, storyteller, humorist and entertainer, Ed loved being with people. He enjoyed a 28-yr airline customer service career working with Braniff, Republic and Northwest Airlines. In retirement, he filled his cup by driving airport courtesy shuttles for area hotels. The Airport Hilton was his last stop. Ed loved all sports, played tons of golf, softball until age 55 and served 35 yrs as a softball umpire with the ASA. The calm, confident demeanor of Easy Ed behind home plate was well known in Blmgtn. Ed's big, boisterous, inclusive, fun-loving family was his greatest joy. He looked forward to all family gatherings but The Great Ericksen Get-Together at the MN State Fair was an annual highlight and 2017 marked 80 straight years of attendance for Ed. This kind, compassionate, organized, punctual, sharply-dressed, GREAT man leaves 5 grateful children: Brad (Kris), Tark (Sue Leeman), Wendy (Marc) Bachman, Scott (Missy) and Heidi (Derrick) Strander; 15 loving grandchildren: Hannah, Luke and Rachel Ericksen, Kristi (Bryan) Bender, Trevor (Kaitlyn) and Blake Ericksen, Beau (Estee Berg), Alina, Chloe and Avery Bachman, Cooper and Tessa Ericksen, Sutton, Griffin and Jacie Strander; adoring cousins: Barby (Ivars) Upens and family, Al Bushinger and family, Late-Life LOVE: TJ Mason, other caring relatives and many steadfast friends. Preceded in death by parents (Arnold and Doris), special aunt and uncle Alphild and Morrie Olsen, dear cousin Sandy Bushinger and parenting partner Nita Ericksen. A celebration of Ed's life will be held Sat. Jan. 13th from 1p-4p at the Hilton MSP Airport Hotel in Bloomington 3800 East American Blvd. Memorials preferred to Miracles of Mitch FDN or MN State Fair FDN. Ed lived a simple and humble life -- never in need, always grateful -- never stressed, always positive. This, will be his Legacy. Thank you Ed, Ned, Eddie, Easy Ed, Dad, Pops, Grandpa and Sneaky for blessing our lives with yours!