Arlen Luther Erickson, 62

Arlen Luther Erickson passed away peacefully due to colon cancer on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, with his wife and daughter by his side.

Arlen was born in Moorhead, Minnesota, on July 10, 1956, to Stanley and Sylvia Erickson. He was raised and attended high school in Kalispell.

Arlen joined the U.S. military in 1982, serving his country for four years. He also worked for Plum Creek Timber Co. in Kalispell for many years.

In 1987, Arlen married Patricia Chambers and adopted her three children, Annie, Dawn and Sabriand. In 1988 the couple welcomed a son, Trevor, followed by a daughter, Sarina in 1991. They later divorced. In 2007, Arlen was introduced to Faye Freyholtz through a mutual acquaintance. Shortly thereafter, Arlen and Sarina moved in with Faye and her two sons, Kaleb and Christopher, in Hingham. The couple married on March 22, 2013, in a small, intimate ceremony at the Hingham Lutheran Church.

Arlen had a laid-back personality, a great sense of humor, and a strong love for his family. He enjoyed listening to country music, taking weekend road trips, fishing, spending time outdoors, and was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings. He was a hard worker and provider, working at the Correct-ional Center in Shelby, Big R (North 40) in Havre, and eventually retiring from Golden Triangle Seeds in Rudyard due to his failing health.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Sylvia, and his sister Diane Zorb.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Erickson, of Hingham; children, Sabriand Fairweather of Kalispell, Dawn (Rich) Veltri of Idaho, Annie (Mike) Kirchner of Indiana, Trevor Erickson of Bigfork, Sarina (Reece) Sterner of Hingham, Kaleb (Charlye) Freyholtz of Havre, and Christopher Hammond of Havre; brother Ed (Connie) Erickson, and sisters Bonnie (Jim) Tobiason and Sharon Holcomb, all of Kalispell; 15 grandchildren, and numerous friends and family members who cherished him.

Cremation has taken place, and a private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials in Arlen’s name may be made to Peace Hospice in Great Falls or to the charity of one’s choice.