Kim Edward Erickson

Kim Edward Erickson, 71, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at St. Therese Hospice at St. Odilia's after a long and courageous journey with Parkinson's disease.

Kim was born on February 5, 1955, in Winton, Minnesota, and was raised in Ely,MN where his lifelong love of the outdoors began. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in 1977 with a degree in biology and completed Air Force ROTC before beginning a distinguished career in aviation and military service.

Kim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, flying B-52 and KC-10 aircraft. After his military service, his aviation career continued with Eastern, Northwest, and finally Delta Air Lines, where he piloted the DC-9, DC-10, A300, and A330 during a career spanning decades.

Aviation was his vocation, but family was always at the center of Kim's life. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Libbe, and found his greatest joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved being at the cabin-fishing from the dock, taking snowmobile and UTV rides, and enjoying evening boat cruises. He enthusiastically supported every horse show, dog event, hobby farm project, and hockey game that filled family life with activity and laughter.
The outdoors were where Kim felt most at home. He rarely missed a deer hunting opener and loved hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, riding ATVs, and motorcycles. Fiercely independent, he could fix, build, or repair almost anything and never gave up until he understood how something worked. He was known for putting together an excellent walleye fish fry and was a proud supporter of Ducks Unlimited(DU). He also had a knack for winning-or buying-truckloads of items at DU events, much to the amusement of family and friends.
Even as Parkinson's gradually changed so many aspects of his life, Kim remained determined, engaged, and deeply committed to helping others facing the disease. He became a passionate advocate for Parkinson's research through The Parkinson's Foundation, speaking publicly at numerous events and participating in multiple research studies in the hope of helping future families.

Kim is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Lizabeth "Libbe" Erickson of North Oaks, MN; his son, Christopher Erickson (Christine), and their children, Harper, Madeline, and Marin of Whitefish Bay, WI; his daughter, Jessica Cattoor (Benjamin), and their children, Ellie, Evalynn, and Mabel of North Oaks, MN; his mother, Jean Erickson of Ely, MN; his sister, Dawn Minch (Cris) of Susanville, California; and his brother, Lance Erickson (Tammi) of Jupiter, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Erickson, and his brother, David Scott Erickson.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Martha Nance and the staff of Struthers Parkinson's Center for sixteen years of extraordinary, steadfast care and support. Deep thanks also go to the teams at Lakeview Hospital, Lakeview Hospice, and St. Therese Hospice at St. Odilia's, as well as Kim's many dedicated caregivers for the compassion, kindness, and exceptional care they provided throughout his journey.

Through every stage of life, Kim's greatest legacy was the love he gave his family. In his final days, one of his constant companions remained his beloved miniature poodle, Chase, faithfully by his side until the end.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at North Oaks Golf Club, 54 East Oaks Road, North Oaks, Minnesota, with a luncheon to follow. A private interment with military honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery prior to services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Struthers Parkinson's Center in Golden Valley, MN, and Ducks Unlimited St. Croix Chapter.

He lived with courage, served with honor, and leaves behind a legacy of love that will guide his family for generations to come.