Lester Curtis Erickson of Angora, MN took his last coffee break on earth on May 5, 2023. Lester was born on June 6, 1937 in Linden Grove. He was the fourth child of Walfred and Engle (Hansen) Erickson and grew up in Bear River. He graduated from Alango High School in 1955 and was united in marriage to Elayne Kantoniemi in 1957 and together they had one son, Brad. On October 3, 1970, he married the love of his life, Nancy Peppard, and together they had two sons, Chad and Brian.

Lester worked in the mines as a young man, but in later years worked as an auto mechanic, a bus driver for the Cook School District (where he was voted number one fan by the Cook Girls Volleyball team) and then as a truck driver before retiring. Lester and Nancy enjoyed motorcycle trips in earlier years, often with his brothers and their wives. He also played drums in various bands including with his brother, Donald, and in more recent history would often join Donald's children in impromptu Erickson musical jams at one of his nephew's garages. In retirement he became the official greeter of anyone traveling highway 22 with his strategically-placed chair and coffee cup in one hand and a wave in the other. Other free time found him feeding the local deer while incongruently, but lovingly, helping to build deer stands (used elsewhere) for his grandkids. Lester was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alango.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, his children, Brad (Denise) Erickson of Plymouth, Chad Erickson of Angora, Brian Erickson of Burnsville, his step-daughter Sally (Steve) Simmer, his grandchildren Sydney (Peter Mayer) Erickson, Mercedes Erickson, Ricky Erickson, Alec Erickson, Payton Erickson, Maddoux Erickson, Walker Erickson, his step-grandchildren Corey (Nick) Novak, Ryley Simmer, and Carter Simmer, great-grandchild Minnie Erickson-Mayer, and step-great-grandchild, Blair Novak, and his sister-in-law Lorraine Erickson.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson Preston Erickson; his brothers Donald (Shirley) Erickson, Clinton (Joan) Erickson, and Duane Erickson; and nephews Rick and Darren Erickson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 12:00pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Alango, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior at 11:00am. A reception for food and fellowship will follow at the VFW in Cook, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lester's name.