Neal Erickson
Dennis “Neal” Erickson, 89, of Minden, Nebraska, former longtime Wallace resident, passed away May 13, 2019, at the Bethany Nursing Home in Minden.
Neal was born Jan. 14, 1930, on the family farm south of Wallace to E. Alvin and Ilo (Ferrell) Erickson. He attended school in Wallace.
On April 28, 1951, Neal married Leonabelle Gibson at Wallace. The couple made their home on the family farm south of town nearly their entire married lives. Their union was blessed with three children, Dennis, Nancy and Arlene.
Aside from farming, Neal held a number of jobs throughout his life including driving the school bus, working at both filling stations, the elevator, the Gerald Gentleman Station and as a night guard at North Platte Feeders for several years.
Neal always held a special passion for farming and enjoyed working the land. He also enjoyed pitching horseshoes, playing pinochle or just watching a Nebraska storm roll through in his pickup.
Neal loved the community of Wallace and was proud to have raised his family there. He was a longtime member of the Wallace United Methodist Church.
When his wife died, Neal received such special care and support from the community, which was something he and his family always appreciated and cherished.
In 2016, Neal moved to the nursing home at Minden, where he was closer to his family.
Neal was preceded in death by his wife; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Earlyn (Virginia) Erickson, Leonard (Marialice) Erickson and Kenneth Erickson; brother-in-law, Martin Gibson and Ina Gibson; along with a niece, Barbara Sexson.
Survivors include his children, Dennis (Linda) Erickson of Grant, Nancy (Larry) Evans of Minden and Arlene Williams of Omaha; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Bonnie Erickson of North Platte; brother-in-law, Leonard (Marlene) Gibson of North Platte; along with many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Neal’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. CT at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating. Burial will be in the Wallace Morning View Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 2-6 p.m. MT at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.