Gloria Erickson, 81, Pelican Rapids

Gloria Erickson, 81, Pelican Rapids, formerly of Lake Park, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at Pelican Rapids Manor under hospice care.

Gloria was born July 1, 1944, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, to Eddie and Hannah Erickson. She attended country school before graduating from Lake Park High School with the Class of 1962.

Gloria married Robert Liedewitz in 1964, to which two children were born, Shane and Dawn. They later divorced. Throughout her life, Gloria was known for her strong work ethic and caring heart. She worked in local bakeries, at the nursing homes in Frazee and Pelican Rapids, at the turkey processing plants in Frazee, Detroit Lakes, and Pelican Rapids, and later at the Hornfiedt Store and Olimber’s Resort.

Whatever the job, Gloria took pride in her work and enjoyed the friendships she made along the way.

Gloria truly embraced one of the modern day’s heroes of her youth’s philosophy that “a stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet.” Gloria could strike up a conversation with anyone. She loved making people laugh, sharing one of her many jokes, checking in on family and friends, and making sure those around her knew they were loved. Whether she was delivering homemade fudge or simply stopping by to visit, Gloria had a remarkable way of brightening someone’s day.

Her faith in God was the foundation of her life, and she was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church on Franklin Lake. Gloria cherished time spent with her family and friends and believed there was always time for a visit, a smile, a joke, or a kind word.

In April 2003, Gloria married Robert Dalman. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and caring for others.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Robert Dalman; her daughter, Dawn (Mel) Dalman Liedewitz; her sister, Margaret Fischnack of Morris, Minnesota; her brother, Daniel Erickson of Lake Park, Minnesota; her sisters-in-law, Lorraine Erickson of Park Rapids, Minnesota, Jeanette Erickson of Pitchfield, Minnesota, and Norma Elmerdahl of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Randy and Pam Dalman of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Hannah Erickson; her first husband, Robert Liedewitz; her beloved son, Shane Liedewitz; her brothers, Norman, Lowell, and Ellery Erickson; her brother-in-law, Donald Fischnack; and her sisters-in-law, Carol and Amy Erickson.

Gloria’s kindness, laughter, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, humor, generosity, and faith that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, neighbors, and everyone whose life she touched.

A memorial service celebrating Gloria’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church Franklin Lake, Pelican Rapids, MN, with visitation one hour prior and a luncheon to follow. Gloria’s service will be livestreamed; you can find it on our website.