Gerald Lee “Jerry” Erickson, 77, passed away suddenly at his home in rural Lyle, Minnesota, on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Jerry had farmed in the area for more than 40 years.

Jerry was born on April 11, 1938, at Grantsburg, Wisconsin, to Reuben and Imogene Bergman Erickson who predeceased him. He graduated from Grantsburg High School and attended the University of Minnesota. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Jerry owned and operated a farm equipment dealership in Wells, Minnesota, for several years during the 1960’s before taking an instructor position at Austin Community College where he taught for several years as he transitioned to full-time farming.

Jerry was an avid collector of antique farm equipment, having been bitten by the bug as a teenager. For the past 30 years he was involved in the business of buying and selling antique farm advertising literature and memorabilia and served on the boards of directors of the collectors’ associations of several brands. Jerry was a regular on the antique tractor show and swap-meet circuit, and was widely known among collectors in the US and many other countries.

He was active in community affairs, having participated in past years as a member of the Volunteer Fire Company and Conservation Club in the London, Minnesota, community.

Jerry was a wonderful brother and uncle, and a friend to many people far and wide. His hearty laugh, storytelling, easy-going nature, and love for the land will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerry is survived by his sister, Gail (Tom) Andersen of River Falls, Wisconsin; and a brother, Rodney “Rick” (Shari) Erickson of State College, Pennsylvania; and nephews: Chris Andersen of Bainbridge Island, Washington, and Jeff Erickson (Rachel) of State College, Pennsylvania.

A nephew, Craig Erickson, predeceased him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, at the Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, 1211 S. 10th St., Hwy 65 South, Northwood IA 50459. The family will hold a visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. the same morning. Memorial contributions may be made to research on macular degeneration at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota. Please send checks made payable to “UMF – 14601” to: PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, Northwood, is in charge of arrangements.