Gary Eriksmoen , 83, Minot, went to his eternal home Sunday, February 18, 2018, in a Minot hospital with his loving family by his side.

Gary was born July 30, 1934, in Ambrose, ND to Henry and Cora (Tyson) Eriksmoen. He grew up and attended school in Ambrose, graduating with the high school class of 1952. Gary continued his education in Concordia for a year until enlisting in the United States Army entering active duty on December 10, 1953. Gary was stationed in Korea and was honorably discharged November 29, 1955. He completed his education as a graduate of Minot State University in 1960.

Gary was united in marriage to Louise Harkness on June 8, 1958 at the United Methodist Church in Sherwood. They lived in Maddock and Rolla while Gary was teaching until moving back to Minot on Valentine's Day in 1970. Gary gained employment with State Human Services for the next 33 years, retiring January 1, 1999.

He was a 40-year member of the Minot Magic City Lions and the ND Conference of Social Workers, where he served as a representative. He also carried memberships to the Minot Eagles Aerie #2376 and served as Secretary for 13 years and Faith United Methodist Church in Minot, serving on many committees.

Retirement left Gary the time to devote to the Faith United Methodist Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen for many years. Gary enjoyed working in the garden, raising strawberries and vegetables but always took the time to feed and watch the birds in his yard and had a front row seat to the rabbits and the squirrel's attempts to steal the leftovers. He will be remembered as a gentle, soft spoken man who was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved and supported his family.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Louise Eriksmoen of Minot; children, Brian (Kim) Eriksmoen, Sherwood, Diane Eriksmoen, Jennifer Eriksmoen and Tracey (Dan) Olson all of Minot; grandchildren, Amy (Jason) Bohannan, Memphis, TN, Jason (Wendy) Eriksmoen, Bismarck, ND; Jody (Mike) Weigel, Lincoln, ND, and Charles Eriksmoen, Sherwood ND, Jeremy (Kelly) Olson, Las Vegas NV; Erin , Minot, ND; Beth(Travis) Posey, Bismarck ND; great-grandchildren, Slade, Dax Bohannan, Nickolis, Alexis, Allie, Emmalee, Bowdin Eriksmoen, Devin, Mason, Bayla Weigel, Oliver Olson, Hayden and Tyson Posey; sisters, Hope Palmer, Miami, AZ, Faith Urich, Erwin, TN, Eleanor Olsen, Kalispell, MT and Charlotte Grotte, Crosby, ND; brothers, John (LaNorma) Raaum, San Manuel, AZ and David Eriksmoen, Ambrose, ND along with many special nieces, nephews and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Eriksmoen and Cora (Tyson) Spradling and stepmother, Christine Eriksmoen, daughter, Lisa Eriksmoen, sisters, Barbara Eriksmoen, Charity Stokes, Joanne Stewart, Lillian Walsh, Rose Ann Spradling and Rose Monson and brothers, Lauren Spradling, and Edward Walsh.

Celebration of Life Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2018 at Faith United Methodist Church in Minot.
Public Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2018, at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Sherwood Cemetery, Sherwood, ND (Spring 2018).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Magic City Lions, Faith United Methodist Church, both of Minot or to an organization of the donor's choice.