Mary Erickson

Mary Ella Erickson, 90, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake. 

Mary was born August 3, 1935, in Laurens, Iowa, to Elmer Edmund Cowan and Vila Martina (Swanson) Cowan. She graduated from Laurens High School and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Buena Vista College, beginning a lifelong dedication to education.

On July 18, 1965, Mary was united in marriage to Gerald Norman Erickson in Spirit Lake. Together, they made their home in Storm Lake before settling in Spirit Lake in 1969. 

Mary devoted her career to teaching, shaping the lives of countless young students. She taught third grade in Storm Lake and second grade in Spirit Lake, where she became a beloved and longtime educator known for her kindness, patience, and commitment to her students. Her impact on the community was recognized when she was named Homecoming Grand Marshal in 1986 and later honored with the Spirit Lake Hall of Achievement Exceptional Educator Award in 2007. 

She was an active member of the Christian Women’s Club, served on the board at Discovery House, and was involved with PEO. Beyond her professional and community life, Mary had many interests. She enjoyed rockhounding alongside her husband Gerald, glass etching, astronomy, and working with dogs in obedience, field trials, and hunt tests. She also loved antiquing, participating and leading in Bible studies, golfing, and hunting. 

Mary is survived by her daughters, Sue (Randall) Aitchison of Iowa City and their son, Michael Aitchison (Kendra Kaspar); Connie Hill (Kenny Lobell) of New Orleans; and Elwood Harden of South Sioux City, Nebraska. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Erickson in 2008; her sister, JoAnn Cartano; and her parents, Elmer and Vila Cowan.

A Celebration of Life for Mary Erickson, age 90 of Spirit Lake, will be held Tuesday, June 16th at 11:00 AM at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. A visitation for Mary will begin at 10:00 AM prior to the service. The family recommends casual attire, their Mom loved her blue jeans.

The family requests memorials be given to the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa Trap-Neuter-Return Program at 607 28th St Milford, IA 51351 or memorials can be given by using the following link: https://square.link/u/DFYYsyjU.