Gary Ericksrud

Gary Dean Ericksrud, 80, of Devils Lake, ND, passed away Wednesday, June 28th, 2023, peacefully and surrounded by his family. On this day, he went to his heavenly home to see his mom on her birthday.

Gary was born May 24th, 1943, in Lakota, ND, to Hollis “Mack” and Blanche (Johnson) Ericksrud. He was the oldest of four children. He was raised on the family farm north of Bartlett, ND. He attended grade school at the rural Cleveland School and graduated from Lakota High School in 1961. His early years after high school included marriage and having three children. During this time, he worked road construction and drove semitruck. From 1974 to 2001, he farmed outside of Lakota, ND. For the following twenty-two years, he managed an apartment complex in Devils Lake, ND. Much of the work he did involved working with both his mind and his hands. He found enjoyment in a job well done and was the embodiment of hard work and resourcefulness. His ingenuity shone in his ability to not only fix anything mechanical but also to customize it to suit his needs and preferences.

Gary also embraced having fun. His favorite activities included fishing, boating, camping, playing pinochle, taking motorcycle trips with his family, and watching and reading westerns. He also took pleasure in visiting with his friends and loved ones. Though we mourn the loss of our dad, we find solace in the memories he leaves behind and in the many lessons he imparted and in the love he shared.

Preceding him in death are his parents and youngest brother Curtis Ericksrud. He is survived by his partner Doreen Henne, his children Scott (Bobbi Jo) Ericksrud of Lakota, ND, Steve (Twila) Ericksrud of Lakota, ND, Stacie (Steve) Burtness of rural Devils Lake, ND, his grandchildren Pauline (Corey) Wettles, Brian (Haley) Waldo, Autumn (Sara) Shorck, Jarred (Kate) Ericksrud, Sierra Ericksrud, Shayla Ericksrud, Gina Burtness, Jamie Burtness, his eight great-grandchildren, his siblings Sandy (Ken) Weaver and Richard (Sharon) Ericksrud, and his former spouse Connie (Thompson) Ericksrud.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, July 11th at 1:00 p.m. also at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Kapelle officiating. Burial will be in the Lakota Cemetery.