Bronson Erickson

Bronson Erickson of Rush City passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on Friday, July 11, 2025, at M Health Fairview in Wyoming at the age of 85.

A lifelong resident of Rush City, Marvin Bronson Erickson was born June 28, 1940, to Marvin and Inga (Flaa) Erickson. He was the third of four brothers, all born within five years of each other. All four were raised in faith through First Lutheran Church of Rush City, attended and graduated from Rush City schools, and were active participants in FFA and 4-H, all while working tirelessly with their father on the family farm. In high school, Bronson exhibited a talent and passion for football and considered his teammates lifelong friends. Additionally, Bronson and his brothers became known in the area as vocalists, performing for weddings, funerals, and other church and community functions over the years, usually accompanied by their mother on the piano. He was gratefully able to sing with his brothers one last time mere days before his passing.

After graduation in 1958, Bronson tried working off the farm refinishing floors in Minneapolis and the surrounding area but couldn’t resist the call home for very long. On one of those visits, he was introduced to Lael Johnson of North Branch through mutual friends. His world changed forever.

On June 15, 1963, they were married. For the next 59 years, they lived, loved and worked on the family farm Rush City. Together they had four children: Thor, Thad, Seth and Gretchen.

Bronson and Lael lived in Rush City all their lives. In addition to his faith, his family, and his farm, Bronson enjoyed hunting and fishing, semi-truck driving, and competing in and attending tractor pulls. Time with his lifelong friends was cherished, and trips to see extended family were more precious than gold.

Bronson is survived by his children Thad (Michelle) Erickson of St. Paul, Seth (Denise) Erickson of North Branch, Gretchen Erickson of Rush City; grandchildren Kevin, Pann (Aidan), Caleb, Wren (Abigail), Hailey, Megan, Brayden, Addison; brothers Kenneth (Lois) Erickson of New Hope, Karle (Hannah) Erickson of Eden Prairie, Blaine (Barb) Erickson of Stillwater; along with generations of nieces and nephews, their children and their children's children.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Inga Erickson; beloved wife Lael Erickson; infant son Thor Erickson; and father/mother-in-law Henry and Emma Johnson.

He always tried to make a positive impact on every person he ever met, and will be missed by all who knew him. We, his family, would like to take a moment to thank you all for the outpouring of support provided to us by the entire community. We are grateful to all of you, and know our Dad was grateful as well.

A Celebration of Bronson's life will take place: 11:00 AM; Friday, August 1, 2025 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rush City. There will be a time of visitation and fellowship planned from 5:00-8:00 PM; Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Olson Funeral Chapel of Rush City, and also one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place in First Lutheran Cemetery, Rush City.

Click here to view Bronson's funeral service.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.
FuneralAndCremationService.com