Walter Carlyle Erickson, age 79, of Austin, died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Center in Albert Lea.

Walter was born April 21, 1926, in Manchester, to Albert J. and Emma M. (Wangen) Erickson. Walter graduated from Freeborn High School in 1943. He then served three years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Radioman. He married Lola Johnson on May 15, 1948, in Austin. They later divorced. He then married Lillian Stark on Sept. 17, 1983, in Nashua, Iowa.

Walter was a retired employee of the George A. Hormel Company having worked there for 37 years. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, music and dancing, watching sports, playing cards and bingo. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW and also a member of the Eagles.

Survivors include his wife: Lillian Erickson, Austin; children: Carolyn (Leon) Jorgensen, Hot Springs, Ariz., LaVonne (Dave) Rushton, Austin, Marcia Fontana, Austin, David Erickson, Owatonna, Minn.; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; siblings:

Howard (Irene) Erickson, Albert Lea, Evelyn Bakken, Albert Lea; sister-in-law: Joyce Olson, Albert Lea; former wife: Lola Erickson, Austin.

He is preceded in death by his brother: Conrad Erickson.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Mayer Funeral Home, Austin, with the Rev. William Natzke officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Wednesday. Military rites will be by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.