Curtis Glenn Ericson

Curtis Glenn Ericson, age 84, of Lakeville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, in Lakeville. He was born on March 25, 1942, in New Ulm, Minnesota, to Glenn and Elaine (Meyer) Ericson.

Curt grew up in rural Winthrop, Minnesota, where he developed a lifelong love of family, friends, sports, and the outdoors. An outstanding athlete, he excelled in both baseball and basketball. He earned all-conference honors in basketball in high school and continued playing baseball into young adulthood, including on a town team after college and as he began his teaching career.

Following his graduation from Winthrop High School, Curt proudly served in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964. His military service gave him the opportunity to see much of the world, and he returned to Minnesota as his term of service came to an end.

Curt then attended Mankato State College, where he met Ellen Traxler. They married on January 29, 1966, beginning a partnership that would last more than 60 years. Curt and Ellen first made their home in Ellendale and Mankato. Curt began his career as a teacher at St. Clair. During those years, they formed many lifelong friendships with neighbors, fellow teachers, and members of their communities.

In 1976, Curt and Ellen moved their family to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Curt spent the remainder of his teaching career at Washington High School. He taught a variety of social studies courses and made a lasting impact on generations of students. His passion for athletics also continued through a successful coaching career at Washington, first as an assistant coach and later as a head coach.

Curt's love of basketball - particularly women's basketball - remained with him throughout his life. In retirement, he was an enthusiastic fan of Minnesota Gophers women's basketball and the Minnesota Lynx. He also enjoyed golf, fishing, card games, following current events, and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.

Curt and Ellen retired in 2004 and returned to Mankato to be closer to family. Retirement brought new adventures and treasured friendships. They enjoyed Caribbean cruises, fishing trips with dear friends, and the simple pleasures of spending time together and with those they loved.

Curt's warmth, humor, competitive spirit, curiosity, and witty conversation will be deeply missed.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at The Fountains for their patient and tireless support of both Curt and the family.

Curt is survived by his wife, Ellen (Traxler) Ericson; his children, Michelle (John) Elstad of Lakeville, Minnesota; Jon (Dawn) Ericson of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Nicole (Brady) Blaska of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota; and ten grandchildren: Shannon Elstad, Josh Elstad, Sam Elstad, Maggie Blaska, Mary Blaska, Luke Blaska, Josh Simkins, Brandon Simkins, Lindsey Truax, and Cooper Ericson. He is also survived by his siblings, Carolyn Neill of Wausau, Wisconsin, and Bob Ericson of Farmington, New Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Elaine Ericson, and his brother, Ron Ericson.

Curt's life was defined by the people he loved, the students and athletes he influenced, the friendships he treasured, and the many experiences he shared with Ellen and his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, and dedication that will live on in all who knew him.

Memorial service for Curt will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Hosanna Church in Lakeville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church. Burial will be at St. Henry's Catholic Cemetery in Le Center.