Wayne C. Erickson

Wayne Erickson, 89 of Winona, passed peacefully on Tuesday ,May 5, 2026, at The Meadows Assisted Living Memory Care, Albert Lea, MN, surrounded by his family.

Wayne was born March 13, 1937, at the family home on their Erskine, MN farm. He was raised in the loving care of his parents, Elmer and Myrtle (Bensen) Erickson, along with his devoted sister Marlene (Erickson) Ross. He graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN. He then went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he met his future wife K Worden. They were married on June 19, 1960, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN. They graduated and both began their careers in education. They were blessed with three children: Kelly, Allison and Steffen.

Wayne’s education and career included experiences teaching secondary biology, attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. After completing his Doctorate, the family moved to Winona, MN in 1967. He taught as a professor in the College of Education at Winona State University, supervised student teachers and became Department Chair, a position he held until retirement in 1995.

Wayne was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, serving on numerous leadership committees, including the Stained Glass Committee. This was a meaningful contribution to the lasting beauty of the sanctuary. He also loved tending to the churches lovely gardens. He was a dedicated gardener at home and loved sharing his talents with others. He also co-owned and operated The Nordic Circle Gift Shop alongside his wife, K. The pleasure they found in collecting memorabilia tells the story of love they shared with their family.

Wayne’s enthusiasm for flower gardening continued after retirement. He could often be found tending to his gardens with the same tender care he had provided his family over the years. He and K also enjoyed several special trips together, traveling to Norway, Spain, Morocco and Alaska. They also loved to visit family members in Washington State, Arizona and California.

He is survived by his siter: Marlene; three children: Kelly (Sid) Wavrin, Mabton, WA; Allison (Mark) Ciota, Albert Lea, MN; Steffen Erickson, Winona, MN; four grandchildren: Jake Wavrin (Nicole LaHaye), Alexandra (Trevor) Carolan, Morgan (Koedy) Burkel, and Jaedon Erickson; and five great-grandchildren: Juliana Carolan, Alexander Carolan, Aubriella Burkel, Makenna Burkel and Kyson Erickson.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, K Worden Erickson and his parents Elmer and Myrtle Erickson.

A private service will be held to honor Wayne.

Memorials may be directed to The Chapel Fund at St. John’s Lutheran Community on the Lake, Albert Lea, MN.

Casket bearers will be Steffen Erickson, Mark Ciota, Sid Wavrin, Jake Wavrin, Koedy Burkel, John Cloutier.

Services entrusted to Bayview Freeborn Funeral Services, Albert Lea, MN.