Henrietta Lillian Benesh Erickson

Henrietta Lillian Benesh Erickson born December 29, 1932 at home in Bear Creek Township, Clearwater County Minnesota and the ninth of a family of 13, to parents Fred and Annie (Rosicka) Benesh.

She was baptized, confirmed and married in a beautiful Lutheran Church in the little town of Alida, Minnesota. She attended grade school in Alida and moved to Highschool in Bagley, Minnesota, graduating with the class of 1951. In 1952 she graduated from Normal Teacher Training, in East Grand Forks, MN.

Henrietta married Philip LeRoy Erickson from Leonard, Mn on September 6, 1952. Their first apartment was in Manitowoc, Wi as Philip was employed by the American Steamship sailing on the Great Lakes. The winter lay off brought the two to Clearbrook, Mn where they purchased the Stolquist grocery store and changed the name to Erickson grocery. Soon Pamela Jean was born, and a year later Paul Douglas was born. Four years later, the building that housed the grocery store business was sold and once again Philip returned to his duties on the Great Lakes and Henrietta and family moved to Bagley, Mn. The following October Denise Carol was born, compiling Henrietta's family.

Philip being away on the lakes and now three children in school, Henrietta enrolled in the Area Vacation Technical School in Bemidji, Mn and graduated with the first ever class in 1967 with a degree in accounting. Her first job was at Clearwater County Hospital, working in the business office. Following the passing of Philip in October 1984, she sold the home in Bagley, Henrietta spent time with all three children and settled in Brainerd because it was in a central location to family. She spent the remaining years of employment in the office of the Moose Lodge 1246 Brainerd, Mn.

Henrietta was a member of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church of Baxter. She wore many “hats” during the early years at the nearly organized church. She looked forward to the monthly L.O.L.L.Y. potluck gatherings.

Henrietta is preceded in death by her husband Philip, parents, Fred and Annie Benesh, siblings Freddie, Edward, Mary (Netland), Henry, John, Lillian (Bergquist, Sauer), Frankie, Wencil, and Bennie. In Laws: Carl and Cora Erickson, sister-in-law: Christy Powell, and brother-in-law: Duane Johnson.

She is survived by her 3 children Pam (Bill) Powers, Paul (Karen) Erickson, Denise (Bob) Kramer, siblings, Betty Johnson, Shirley (Klongerbo) Wilson, David (Sherry) Benesh, sister-in-law Penelope Shereck.

7 grandchildren, Joshua (Winny) Erickson, Kari Whitlock, Matthew (Katie) Erickson, Katie (Brent) Larson, Daniel (Amanda) Powers, Casey and Codie Kramer.

9 great grandchildren, Macey and Drew Whitlock, JJ Erickson, Ella and Berit Erickson, Cora and Lainey Powers, Devin, Lucas, and Alyssa Larson. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.