Kenneth Emroy Erickson

Kenneth “Kenny” Emroy Erickson, longtime Wasilla resident, died Feb. 10, 2010, at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave., in Wasilla. Hospice Chaplin Mitchell Stuart will officiate. There will be a potluck dinner and gathering following the service at VFW Post 9365, 301 W. Lake View Ave., Wasilla.

Mr. Erickson was born on Aug. 5, 1931, to Eric and Mabel (Berg) Erickson in McIntosh, Minn. Kenny came to Alaska in 1948 at the age of 17. He lived in Anchorage for a year before moving to the Mat-Su Valley, where he trapped and hunted. He worked for many years as a heavy-equipment operator and built many of the pipeline pads. He started as a commercial fisherman in the late ‘50s and continued this lifelong passion even as recently as last summer.

An avid golfer, Kenny could be found on the golf course, regardless of weather conditions. Many friends will remember him best playing horseshoes at Greenacres. Most of all, Kenny loved spending time with family, friends and his neighborhood community.

Between 1963 and 1974 Kenneth was married to Patricia Noonan and they had three children: Pam Erickson-Girouard, Olie Erickson and Kirby Kevin Erickson, all of California. Kenny later enjoyed a wonderful friendship for many years with Harriet Joinette until her death.

Kenny is survived by his three children, Pam, Olie and Kevin; by Harriet’s daughter Nancy Smith and her children, Cooper and Sydney; a sister, Alice Mae Dyer of Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings Waldo, Gordon, Margaret and Alan; and longtime friend Harriet Joinette.

Flowers can be sent to the Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla or, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were made with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.