Joel Torkel Erickson

Livestreaming can be found on the First Lutheran Church website: https://www.beachlutheranparish.org/ Joel Torkel Erickson, 87, of Beach, ND, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND. Joel's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 16, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Beach, ND, with Pastor Liz Franz officiating. Burial will be held at the Lutheran Cemetery in Beach, ND. There will be a Family and Friends Service at 6:30 PM on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Silha Funeral Home in Beach, ND. Joel was born on July 15, 1938, to Lester and A. Mildred (Vigesaa) Erickson in Bongor Tchad, Africa. From the beginning, Joel’s life was shaped by faith, family, and hard work. After spending his early childhood overseas, he was brought to Cooperstown, North Dakota, where he was lovingly raised by his aunt and uncle, Lars and Agnes, while his parents returned to Africa as missionaries. After graduating from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in 1956, Joel proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following two years of service and an honorable discharge, he returned home to North Dakota. In 1962, he married Darlene Watne, and together they welcomed three daughters, Linda, Jan and Kari. Though the marriage later ended, Joel remained devoted to his family and continued building a life grounded in agriculture and honest work. Joel spent many years working for Purina Feed at several locations before settling in Beach, North Dakota. It was there he met Vicki Szudera—the love of his life. Their connection was immediate, and they were married on April 28, 1973. Through this marriage, Joel gained two daughters, Annette and Candace. Together Joel and Vicki welcomed a son, Corey, creating a blended family that became the center of his world. A true working man, Joel dedicated his life to agriculture. He ran the local feed business, worked for area ranchers, and eventually operated his own ranch while running the north school bus route for 25+ years. Even after retiring from ranching in 2004, Joel wasn’t one to sit still. He moved into town and drove the Golden Valley Senior Citizen bus. Later he worked with Linda and Rick on their farm. He then spent several more years driving the propane truck for Farmers Union before finally retiring again in 2018. Joel believed strongly in giving back to his community and devoted countless hours to organizations that reflected his values and love of agriculture. He was actively involved with the American Tarentaise Association, North Dakota Badlands Trail Riders Association, Golden Valley Fair Board, Golden Valley Feeders, Golden Valley Farm Bureau, the FU/Cenex Board, and the American Breeders Association. He was especially proud of his years as a 4‑H leader and his dedicated service with the Beach Fire Department. In recognition of his hard work, stewardship of the land, and leadership within the agricultural community, Joel received several honors, including Tarentaise Commercial Cattleman of the Year, the Golden Valley Soil Conservation Award, and the Outstanding Agriculturist Award for Golden Valley County presented at the NDSU Harvest Bowl. He was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church. When Joel wasn’t working or volunteering, he found joy in the simple things. He loved gardening and was especially known for his peonies, which were a source of pride and joy to him and a delight to those who received them. He enjoyed feeding squirrels, hunting, and welcoming friends from near and far to share in his love of the outdoors. Whenever Joel would have some down-time, he would enjoy watching sports on television, it didn’t matter what sport, he enjoyed watching it. Joel was an avid Vikings and Twins fan; he rarely missed a game on T.V. At every holiday gathering Joel never failed to pull out his favorite game to play with the family, Yahtzee. Being a true Norwegian he loved lutefisk, lefse, kringla and kumla. Those who knew Joel will remember his steady presence, his willingness to help, and the quiet way he showed he cared. Joel was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt and uncle, Lars and Agnes Nevland; his sister, LeVon Nevland; his in-laws, George and Marian Szudera; his brothers-in-law, Vernon Szudera and Tim Ysteboe; and his son-in-law, Dale Curl. He leaves behind his wife, Vicki, of Mandan; his daughters, Linda (Rick) Stoveland of Golva, Jan Vetter of Fargo, Annette Curl of Lincoln, Kari (Mark) Nicolai of Fargo, and Candace (Tom) Warner of Bismarck; his son, Corey (Jennifer) Erickson of Beach; his sisters, Ruthie (Skip) Nolen of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Rachel (Darwin) Paulson of Upland, California; his brother, Phillip (Frohne) Erickson of Columbus, Ohio; his brothers-in-law, Roger (Karen) Szudera of Middleton, Wisconsin, and Ron (Charlotte) Szudera of Bismarck; along with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild expected in July. Joel will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy lives on through the family, friends, and community he so faithfully served. Silha Funeral Home of Beach/Wibaux has been entrusted with arrangements. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.SilhaFuneralHomes.com.

Joel Torkel Erickson

July 15, 1938 - March 9, 2026

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Joel Torkel Erickson

July 15, 1938 - March 9, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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