Eltune Erickson

Eltune Erickson, 66, of Minneapolis, MN, formerly of Warren, MN, passed away on Thursday morning, May 12, 2016, at Golden LivingCenter - Lake Ridge in Roseville, MN.

Eltune was born on December 11, 1949, in Thief River Falls, MN, to Eli and Ellen (Ingalls) Erickson. Growing up in Warren, he was captivated by maps and knew every county road (and who lived on it) within 30 miles. He was also a child-historian, spending a great deal of time with his elderly grandfather collecting stories and family history. After graduating from Warren High School in 1967, Eltune entered the U.S. Army on June 26, 1968, serving his country in Vietnam and, later, Alaska. After being honorably discharged on June 15, 1971, Eltune moved to the Minneapolis metro area, where he lived for the next 40 years.

Eltune worked for Tonka Toys for more than a decade, until the company relocated in 1982, and after that, worked various odd jobs. He enjoyed living a simple life. The few material things he did value were his treasures: books, atlases, and maps. He frequented the Minnesota Historical Society and spent days of his life at local libraries going through archives. He attended the State Fair nearly every year and knew the quickest way by bus to anywhere in the city.

Eltune was blessed from an early age with an amazing memory. He used this talent to not only remember innumerable dates of historical events, but to remember the birthdays of all his family members. In addition to receiving a phone call with birthday wishes, you might also be told (from memory) about which president shared your birthday and their life stories; if you gave him your date of birth, he could tell you what day of the week you were born on! Eltune will be remembered both for his quiet intelligence and for his big heart.

Eltune is survived by his sister, Ellette (Jerry) Kostrzewski of Thief River Falls; brother, Ethel (Donna Peterson) of Warren; special aunts, Gladys Blakstvedt of Maple Grove, MN, and Cora Ravndalen of Roosevelt, MN; nieces and nephew, Stacie (Collin) Mooney, Bradley (Jason Grinnen), and Jessica (Corey) Hodne; great-nephew, Kyle Mooney; great-nieces, Ciera Mooney and Paige Hodne; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elvis; and twin nephews, Jason and Jerald Kostrzewski.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at 10:00 AM, in DuBore Funeral Home, Warren, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the service at the funeral home.

Interment: Woodman Cemetery, Middle River, MN

 Service Information