Susan Erickson

Susan Marie McGuire Erickson, born on July 1, 1949, in Nebraska, peacefully entered heaven on October 20, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Church of Corpus Christi. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Bismarck Funeral Home on Thursday, November 7 from 5:00-7:00 PM with a vigil at 7:00 PM. 

Susan’s life was filled with creativity, love for learning, and deep devotion to her family. From a young age, she exhibited a natural intelligence, skipping a grade in elementary school. Her high school years were spent with the Benedictine Sisters in Norfolk, NE, before completing her senior year in Cherokee, Iowa.

Susan’s talents went far beyond academics. She was a gifted musician, impressing those around her with her ability to play classical piano, and in grade school, she also took up the drums and learned the French horn. In addition to her musical talents, Susan was a skilled artist who found joy in painting landscapes.

She graduated from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, Kansas, with a degree in English and German. Her love of languages was evident throughout her life, as she could speak German and had some knowledge of Russian and French. Following college, Susan began her teaching career in Tintah, MN, but her path changed when she met Donald Erickson. The two married on June 19, 1971, and moved to a farm near Wheaton, MN, where Susan put aside teaching to focus on raising their growing family.

Susan became a proud “boy mom” in 1972, and her family expanded quickly, welcoming more sons in 1973, 1974, and 1983. She took great pride in ensuring her sons were well-rounded, emphasizing education and making piano lessons a priority for each of them through grade school.

A devoted member of Ave Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton, Susan was also active in the neighborhood homemakers’ group. She had a deep love for mystery shows, particularly Agatha Christie’s programs on PBS, amassing dozens of VHS tapes of her favorites.

In 1991, Susan and her family relocated to a ranch outside of Hazelton, ND. In 1992, she returned to teaching high school English at Hazelton Moffit Braddock High School, where she proudly served as the speech coach. Her dedication to her students and her passion for education earned her the Outstanding English Educator Award for North Dakota for the 2004-2005 school year.

After 23 years of teaching, Susan retired and moved to Bismarck to be closer to her family. In retirement, she cherished time spent with her sons, grandchildren, and her great-grandchild. Her love of literature and writing never wavered. Susan was part of a couple book clubs, one with her siblings and another at Touchmark. She was an accomplished writer of both poetry and prose. She continuously encouraged others—students, friends, and family members alike—to write and express themselves.

Susan was also passionate about genealogy, devoting years to researching and building her family’s history. In addition to her intellectual pursuits, she was an avid "Jeopardy!" fan and a formidable Scrabble player, with her competitive spirit shining brightest during her beloved weekly trivia nights, where she became a well-known and sought-after teammate.

Susan is survived by her sons, Benjamin (Ida) of Bismarck, ND, Erik of Joliet, MT, and Matthew (Mandy) of Lake Park, MN; her cherished grandchildren Dillon Alvarez, Isabella, Thor, Kaysa, Lane, and Easton Erickson; and her great-grandson, Cooper Paul. She is also survived by her siblings, Anne McGuire, Kelly (Carolyn) McGuire, Ruth McGuire, and MaryBeth (Dan) Brigl; her sister-in-law, Judy McGuire; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Erickson; her parents, Richard and Betty McGuire; her brother, Joe McGuire; her nephews, Leo and Danny McGuire; and her ex-husband, Donald Erickson.

Susan’s warmth, wisdom, and creativity touched the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, knowledge, and deep family bonds that will be cherished for generations to come.