Anita Erickson, aged 79, died peacefully with family by her side on August 17,2023 at CHI St. Alexius hospital in Bismarck.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Bismarck Funeral Home at 2pm. Burial will be at the Veteran’s Cemetery on August 29, 2023 at 10am.
Anita was born on September 7, 1943 to Johan and Adolfine (Richter) Ludwig in Karlsdorf, Sudentenland on the West Czech border. When Anita was 2 years old, all German citizens were forced to flee or be forced to come under communist control. Anita’s family settled in Hess Lichtenau, West Germany, where many of her family still resides. After graduation from high school, Anita attended nursing school and worked for a private doctor during which time she met Dennis Erickson who was in the U.S. Army. After a year of courtship, they got married on Friday, December 13, 1963. Upon arriving in Bismarck, Anita worked as a nurse’s aide until son Bryan was born. Their daughter Heidi was born a few years later. She was a great mom who later became Oma to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even though she struggled with her health the last few years, she looked forward to spending time with her grandkids. She was so excited with the arrival of her great-grandchildren Crew and Nash.
Anita was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran church where she volunteered as a Sunday School teacher for many years. After both Bryan and Heidi attended Jeanette Myhre Elementary School, Anita volunteered as a teacher’s aide before being promoted to assistant secretary. After 2 years, Anita was given the position of head secretary at Riverside Elementary School, where she remained for 22 years until her retirement.
Anita and Dennis did wood crafting for 10 years where she was able to use her artistic talents. Anita was an amazing cook and could always be found in the kitchen cooking or baking old German recipes.
Anita is survived by husband Dennis, son Bryan (Betty) and children Michael (Indy), Jenna (Lennen) and Ashley (Nick) and their twin boys Crew and Nash. Daughter Heidi (Jeremy) Lee and children Adam, Tessa and Tyler. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Herbert and Gunther, sister-in-law Erna and grand-daughter Katelyn Lee.