Leone “Belle” Erickson

The public funeral service for Leone “Belle” Erickson of Perham and formerly of Sebeka, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 2, at the Bethany Free Lutheran Church in Bluegrass, with Dan Crocker presiding.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Friday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Leone, age 93 , passed away on March 15, 2021, at the Perham Living Center, Perham, MN.

Leone was born to Hans and Addie (Walker) Crocker on May 11, 1927, at their home in rural Staples, MN. Her vivid blue eyes endeared her father to call her “Bluebelle”, which after his death became “Belle”, and is how everyone knew her.

Belle attended District 7 grade school, finished eighth grade at District 9 before graduating from Verndale High School. She was the only one in her family to receive a diploma. On September 22, 1944, Leone was united in marriage with Eugene Henry Erickson. She helped with the farming and was a busy homemaker and mother. She became a CNA and worked at Shady Lane Nursing Home in Wadena, until she was needed at home due to her sister’s cancer. As a self-taught musician, Belle played piano and organ for 50 years. She facilitated activities with 4-H and contributed to Vacation Bible School for decades. Belle’s greatest joy was raising her children and her heart held great pride in all of her grandchildren.

Preceding Leone in death were her husband of 52 years, Eugene (1996); parents Hans and Addie; daughter Janet Reemts; brothers Ken, Kermit and Wes Crocker; sisters Nelle Miller and Eileen Rentz; and sons-in-law Frank Ousley and Gene Reemts.

Memories of Leone will be treasured by her children, Russell (Virginia) Erickson of Sebeka, Curtis (Mary) Erickson of Perham, Connie Ousley of Wadena and FL, and Renee (Scott) Dietz of Alexandria;  12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Alan Ousley, Randy Reemts, Jonathan Reemts, Matthew Deitz, Micah Deitz, Brady Erickson, Austin Erickson and Peter Erickson.

Burial will be in Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN.

The family suggests memorials be directed to Alzheimer’s research. (act.alz.org)

Arrangements by the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Johnson-Schuller Chapel, Wadena, MN. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)