Leroy Erickson

Glendive, Montana: Leroy (Eric) (Roy) Erickson, age 84, passed away on May 1, 2013 when his body finally said “enough.” He had various health problems from which he couldn’t recover. He passed away at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care in Glendive. Cremation has taken place and a private family Memorial Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Joseph Ponessa officiating. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Leroy was born on October 25, 1928 in Glendive to Della (Dobson) and Reverend Richard Erickson. His father, Richard, a minister in Joliet, Montana, was killed in a construction accident two months before Leroy was born, and his mother passed away when he was fourteen years old, after which he was raised by his grandmother Blanche Dobson and her children. He was raised and educated in Glendive. He started work at the age of twelve at various jobs, including delivering the Billings Gazette, a job that was carried on by his sons and grandson. Leroy worked in grocery stores, drove taxi and was employed one summer at BNRR. After graduating from Dawson County High School with the class of 1946, he served in the United States Army for eighteen months at Fort Ord, California and received an honorable discharge from military service as a Staff Sergeant. Leroy then was employed with MDUCo as an apprentice electric meter tester. He became a lineman, transmission line inspector, assistant electric superintendent, and Division Manager in Miles City, Montana and in Glendive. On September 3, 1949, he married Maxine Feisthamel, whom he had known since the first grade. Together they welcomed four children, Jim (Rose), Patti, Bill (Sally) and Tom (Cindy). In May 1971, the family moved to Miles City, where Leroy became the MDU’s Division Manager. While in Miles City, he was Chamber President in 1975. In 1976, he suffered a massive heart attack and pulmonary clot, and a year later had open-heart surgery. His health improved and he and his family returned to Glendive in 1976 when he was promoted to Glendive’s Division Manager. On August 1, 1989, he retired after over forty years of service with MDU, a company he was proud to have worked for. He and Maxine then purchased Centennial Apartments and he was the “Fix-it” person for fourteen years, something he thoroughly enjoyed. After that time, he retired again to live the “quiet” life. He was a man of great patience, and was an inspiration and role model for his family. He was very proud of all that his children and their families accomplished. Leroy was always involved in community service. He was a volunteer firefighter for twenty-two years, president of the Red Devils Booster Club, Chamber director for five years, City Councilman for five and a half years, Treasurer of Noon Lions, former member of the Glendive Elks Club, active member of Glendive Forward and helped bring the Eastern Montana Veterans Home to Glendive. He served nine years on the Glendive Medical Center Board of Directors and was on the Finance Committee of the Sacred Heart Church. He and a group of about six MDU employees set up the MDU Credit Union and he was treasurer for six years. Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; several aunts and uncles who were like brothers and sisters to him and three brothers-in-law. He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Maxine of Glendive; three sons, Jim (Rose) of Fair Oaks, California, Bill (Sally) of Oregon City, Oregon and Tom (Cindy) of Miles City; daughter, Patti of Billings, Montana; five grandchildren; two-step-grandsons; six great-granddaughters and one great-grandson. Leroy’s favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art” sung by Elvis. Think of him when you listen to the hymn. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations made to a favorite charity of your choice. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com.

Leroy Erickson

October 25, 1928 - May 1, 2013

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Leroy Erickson

October 25, 1928 - May 1, 2013

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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