Joel's Obituary and Tributes

 

1952 – 2021

Joel Richard Erickson returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father from his home in Moroni, UT on Oct. 28, 2021. He was born to Dixie M. McKinnon and Joel H. Erickson on June 5, 1952 in Provo UT, as the oldest of 4 siblings.

Joel married the mother of his 8 children, Lynda J. Sutherland on Dec. 14, 1975 in Denver Colorado. Joel and Lynda were divorced in 1992. Joel then married Judith (Judie) A. Kofford Johnson on May 15, 1993 and they spent his remaining 28 years happily together, enjoying traveling and camping, visiting their children and grandchildren, and their service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joel was soft-spoken, intelligent, kind, humble, funny, and loving. He was incredibly skilled and used his skills to bless all those who came into contact with him. He took many roles in his life including: Scout Leader, Mentor, Religious Leader, Master Carpenter, Handyman, Military leader, Father, Grandfather, and Loving Husband. He was a man of few words but expressed the depth and beauty of his soul through the careful intention he put into everything he did. There was seemingly nothing he couldn’t fix, figure out, or build.

Joel had an unmatched work ethic and applied himself fully to all that he did. He was drafted into the army in 1972 and spent 2 years as a Specialist E4 of the 124th Maintenance Battalion 2nd Armored Division. His mechanic skills were put to use fixing tanks, jeeps, and machinery for the troops. He then served 37 years in the National Guard as a Sergeant over the Maintenance Section, during which time he built roads in Utah, and for native communities in both Panama and Alaska. He worked for 31 years as a mechanic/electrician in Deer Creek Coal Mine.

Joel truly lived in the image of Christ. He was always of service to others, his family, his country, his community, and the Lord. He had a strong testimony and faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served on the High Council, as a counselor in the Bishopric, and in Baptistry at the Manti Temple. He oversaw the Family History Center and among many other church callings he especially enjoyed serving in the scouting program.

Joel is preceded in death by his brother Fredrick Erickson, and grandson David Erickson Jr.

Joel is survived by his wife Judie Erickson; children Andrew (Sarah) Erickson, Benjamin (Sarah) Erickson, Carolyn Kellogg, David Erickson, Eric (Erika) Erickson, Forrest (Hanna) Erickson, Greggory Erickson, and Holly Erickson; stepchildren Lorinda Anthony, Tyler (Kristin) Johnson, Brett (Marissa) Johnson; 23 grandchildren, and Siblings Becky Erickson and Ray Erickson.

Kameron's:

Grandpa,

It all happened so fast that it truly doesn't feel like you're gone. In what feels like only a few moments you went from happy and healthy, kickin our butts in corn hole to a couple of days ago frail and tired. But what's truly amazing is through out it all you still had a smile on your face going through hell with so much bravery in what must have been so incredibly painful, your example, and courage is something that will truly always stay with me. Thank you for truly being someone who always cared enough to listen. Thank you for always showing up with a new game to play or a new thing you crafted, might I add with such expertise and exquisite craftsmanship that it always blew us away. You were fun, sooo fun. So thank you for all of this and so much more. It sucks you won't be around when I come home and can't give you a big ol hug, but I know where you are, who you are with and I know you are in the best hands with no more pain. Till we meet again. Rest easy Grandpa, I love you.

-Elder Kameron Johnson

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high..."

-D&C 121: 7-8

Mine: 

We lost my sweet father-in-law this morning. Joel was one of the kindest men I have ever known. He was quiet, hardworking, unassuming, gentle, humble and went around doing good and serving others… his family, his country, and the Lord. He was fun! He loved games! This picture was taken after we thoroughly trounced our opponents! He made us so many fun games over the years. He could fix anything and was a master woodworker and created so many beautiful items for our home! He was an incredible grandpa and is loved dearly by all of his grandchildren. He is also one of the most courageous men I know who faced a devastating diagnosis with incredible bravery. He has been a wonderful example to us in so many ways including being a strong man of faith who loved the Lord. Joel, you are so loved…now and forever.

(Two of my sisters-in-law...Hanna (daughter-in-law) and Holly (daughter) posted really beautiful online tributes too.)