Eleanor H Erickson , 81 Benedict ND, died Monday March 30, 2015 in her home after a long battle with both heart and kidney disease.

Eleanor was born March 20, 1934 in Max ND, to Andrew and Anne (Baklenko) Emil. She grew up on the family farm and completed her grade school education in Benedict. She completed her high school education through correspondence and attended Minot State University.

Eleanor was united in marriage to Edward Erickson on June 8, 1958 at Concordia Lutheran Church in Benedict. This union was blessed with two children, Greg and Nancy. Benedict has been home to the family nearly all of their lives, where they have maintained relationships to family and many friends over the years.

Eleanor provided a loving home for her husband, children, and grandchildren. She also worked part-time as assistant Postmaster for the Benedict post office for many years. Eleanor cherished her time with family & friends. She planned many gatherings for all occasions and kept distant relatives close. She enjoyed making crafts of all kinds, many which she gave as gifts to family & friends. Collecting owls, souvenir spoons and knick-knacks of all sorts were her greatest passion; the family home was her showcase for her collection. She also had a bit of a green thumb in both her vegetable and flower gardens.

Eleanor is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Edward, Benedict; children, Greg Erickson, Mandan, ND and Nancy Bauer, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Tessa, Nicolas, Kali, and Douglas Bauer and Eric Erickson; brothers-in-law Ronald (Marlene) Erickson, Garrison, ND, Alvin (Marlys) Erickson, Renton WA, and sister-in-law Viola Gullickson, Max, ND.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Irwin Emil.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Benedict, ND.

Interment: Greatstone Cemetery, rural Benedict, ND

Visitation: Friday, April 3, 2015, for 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials preferred to Greatstone Cemetery or Benedict Concordia Lutheran Church Ladies Auxiliary.