Obituary of Ben Roger Erickson

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Ben Roger Erickson

1929 ~ 2026

Ben Roger Erickson was born on April 19, 1929 to Ole and Emma Erickson. He was raised on the family farm south of Donalda, earning a good work ethic. He attended the Up To Date country school for grades one to nine where he developed a love of learning and reading that lasted his whole life.

Following school, Ben farmed with his brother Harry. In the summer of 1953, Ben met Shirley Antypowich, and although she lived a fair distance away at Widewater, Alberta, they managed occasional visits and many letters, which Shirley has kept to this day. Ben and Shirley were married July 22, 1955 and settled on the original farmstead at Donalda. The years were filled with growing the farm and raising their four children. Always hospitable and loving, their home became a haven for family, friends and neighbors. For many years they opened their home for Sunday morning fellowship gatherings.

After the children were grown and gone a few health issues arose, Ben decided to rent out his farm, still helping with spring work and harvest. This enabled them to travel, enjoying trips to Atlantic Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America and smaller trips in their mini motorhome. Ben also spent hours woodworking in his shop, building toys and Christmas gifts for his grandchildren.

In 2009 Ben and Shirley moved to Stettler where they enjoyed their new home and the convenience of living in town. Ever practical and looking ahead, they moved to Points West Living in 2017. Their suite in Points West quickly became home and as always, they enjoyed visits with family and friends. As Ben became less mobile, he transitioned to a higher level of care, still spending many afternoons in the suite with Mom. He enjoyed good health and a clear mind until his earthly journey ended. Ben was a gentle, content man with an unwavering faith in God, which was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him.

Ben is survived by his loving wife Shirley; children: Judy (Derwin) Massey, Lois (James) Hassett, Lee (Shirley) Erickson and Jim Erickson; grandchildren: Monica Affleck and her children: Felicity, Finn and Forest, Scott (Vanessa) Massey and their children Brett, Katie and Nate, Kirby (Dixie) Massey and their children Cheyenne, Rhea and Casey, Trent (Leah) Erickson and their children Sara, Charlie, Emma and Brooke, Dorie (Dylan) Jones and their children Kensa, Scottie and Coral, Jayden (Chelsea) Erickson and their children Elodie, Thatcher and Jaxon, Jennifer (Darren) Quick and their children Makenzie and Weston, Desirae (Luke) Squires and their child Madeline, Tyler (Melanie) Hassett and their children Daxton, Kayson and Aria, Trevor (Sabrina) Hassett and their child Ameilia, Jill Hassett, Jody (Cody) Martin and their children Taya and Beau; as well as numerous other relatives and many dear friends.

Ben was predeceased by his parents Olaf and Emma Erickson; brother Harry Erickson; grandson-in-law Jamie Affleck and great grandson Atlas Jones.

FUNERAL SERVICE

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.

Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alberta

Memorial donations in memory of Ben may be made to the Stettler Hospice Society, Box 880 Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0 or STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7.

Celebration Of Life For The Late Mr. Ben Erickson