Arlan H. Erickson

Arlan H. Erickson of San Tan Valley, Arizona passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024 with family at his side, at the age of 82. He was born July 30, 1942 to Herbert and Mabel Erickson of Starbuck, MN. There he grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Starbuck High School in 1960.

Arlan enlisted in the U.S. Army March 1964 and was stationed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas where his talent on the trumpet enabled him to make the Army Marching band where he marched in numerous parades throughout the southern states.

In 1967 Arlan was a musician in a rock n roll cover band (The Sonics) that played throughout the Twin Cities. It was with this band he played at a fund raising party for Hubert H. Humphrey.

On October 26,1968 Arlan married Harletta (Hardi) Williams. In 1973 they moved back to his hometown of Starbuck where they raised their children, Kristi and James. Arlan worked for the Pope County Dairy Herd Association (DHIA) as well as continued to play piano/keyboard of Country and old-time Scandinavian music for many celebrations. Arlan enjoyed driving tour bus for Utopia Tours.  He traveled throughout the United States and Canada and was able to enjoy numerous popular tourist destinations.

Arlan and Hardi moved to Arizona in 2011 to live closer to their children and grandchildren.  Arlan enjoyed playing cards and playing music at retirement communities in the area. He attended many of his grandchildren’s sporting events, which he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Harletta Erickson; children, Kristi (Stephen) Carnazzo of Queen Creek, Arizona and James Erickson of Chandler, Arizona; three grandsons, Andre, Braxton and Gabriel Carnazzo; foster granddaughter, Julie; three sisters, Julane Kalina of Marysville, Ohio, Sheila (Dale) Engebretson of Buffalo, Minnesota, and Brenda (Ted) Breckheimer of Mound, Minnesota; brothers and sisters-in-law as well as many nieces, and nephews.

Arlan was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wayne Erickson and Larry Erickson; mother and father-in-laws; brother and sister-in-laws; and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held in Minnesota at a later date.