Rochelle

Donna Marie Harrietta Erickson, 88, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2016 in Rochelle, IL. Donna was born September 1, 1928 to Alfred O. and Mabel A. (Mahle) Mattson in Madison, Minnesota. She graduated from Madison High School as salutatorian of her class in 1946. In the fall of 1946, Donna enrolled at Kahler Nursing School in Rochester, MN and did all her clinical studies of Mayo Clinic. She graduated with a nursing diploma in 1949. After graduation, Donna traveled to Rochelle and began her nursing career at Rochelle Community Hospital in the obstetrics department working both full time and part time until her retirement over 30 years later. She loved working in the O.B. department especially helping to deliver several of her own grandchildren.

Donna found love after being set up with a "nice Norwegian Lutheran farmer". On September 23, 1950 at Ness Lutheran Church in Madison, MN, Donna married Berge Miles Erickson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Berge, her parents, an infant son and an infant great granddaughter.

Donna was active at her church, St. John's Lutheran Church, Creston, IL. She enjoyed life working with her husband farming in the Creston area and growing and canning fruits and vegetables. After retirement, Donna enjoyed playing cards and especially going to garage sales and thrift shops, and looking for layettes for babies through the church.

Donna is survived by her five children: Janet (Monty) Burrows of Lindenhurst, IL, Lee (Terry) Erickson of Flagg Center, IL, Richard (Suzie Galler) Erickson of North Beach, MD, John (Lesslie) Erickson of Steward, IL and Robert Erickson of Rochelle, IL; ten grandchildren: Erika Rodriguez, Richard Houston, Miles (Brandi) Erickson, Cassie (Joshua) Schiebel, Connor Erickson, Logan Erickson, Adam (Kelli) Erickson, Brooke (Abraham) Mathai, Catrina Erickson and Daily Erickson,; nine great-grandchildren: Joshua and Christian Rodriguez, Chase and Ryker Erickson, Tayler and Alyssa Schiebel, Lilyan, Andrew and Ava Erickson; three sisters: Carol Nelson of Madison, MN, Virginia Luedtke of Florida and Adele (Charles) Miller of Madison, MN; two sisters-in-law: Clara "Dolly" Edwards of Rochelle and Doris Erickson of DeKalb; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M., Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held 10:30 A.M., Monday, November 7 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 126 E. South Street, Creston, with Pastor Ron Larson officiating. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Creston. In lieu of flowers, Donna and her family request memorials be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Creston. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the on line guestbook.