Spencer Dee Erickson

Spencer Dee Erickson “graduated with honors” from life on earth on February 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was a determined warrior of faith and endured to the end. He devoted his life to his family, his faith, and quiet service to others.

Coming from sturdy pioneers on both sides of the family, Spencer was born to Carl Golden Erickson and Ina Haderlie on May 18, 1939, in Afton, Wyoming. He was a long, husky baby with blond hair and blue eyes. Spencer had one sister, Shirley-Lou, and four brothers: Carl, C.G. (who died in infancy), Bryce, and Rondo. Growing up on a farm in Freedom, Wyoming, his family worked very hard, putting in long hours to sell milk from a small dairy herd and raise cattle, hogs, chickens, barley, and alfalfa. He learned to drive a tractor at the tender age of six.

His mother, Ina, milked cows, raised a huge garden, and put away food in the cellar for the long, cold, snowy winters in Star Valley. They did not have indoor plumbing or electricity until he put it in during the 1950’s. A wood cookstove was used for cooking, heating water, and keeping the log house warm.

Spencer was a busy, strong, outdoor farm boy who attended Freedom Elementary and Star Valley High School. Spencer was taught as a young child to pray, have faith in Jesus Christ, and serve the Lord. He always believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Always honest, Spencer recognized and testified of several accounts when the spirit saved his life. LaVell Hoffhine baptized him on August 17, 1947 in the Salt River near the Freedom Highway bridge. He was confirmed by his Father, Golden Erickson, afterwards.

Spencer was excited to receive a mission call from President David O. McKay on August 6, 1959, to serve in the Canadian Mission located in Eastern Canada. His mission president, Thomas S. Monson, became a lifelong friend and mentor. Spencer focused on the work and taught with conviction. He would not be distracted by sister missionaries, so it is ironic that post-mission, Spencer contacted Miss Patricia Olmstead by mail to ask her on a date. They were soon in love and married in the Logan Temple on March 15, 1963, amidst a snowstorm. They set up housekeeping in a borrowed trailer and began building a modest home in Freedom, Wyoming.

Spencer was a builder. Pat, his beloved wife, said he could fix anything. He first learned this at age 17 from his Uncle Wilford Haderlie, a builder who coached him in adding an indoor bathroom to his parents’ house. His newlywed house in Freedom had one room, warm and finished to bring their first child home to. Bonnie Jo made her debut on January 7, 1964, in a blizzard. Another daughter, Dalene, joined the family on July 22, 1965. Soon, the family moved to Logan to finish College. Lucinda was born while there on April 5, 1967. He received an Industrial Engineering bachelor’s degree from Utah State University in June 1967.

Spencer started working as a technical instructor and writer for Hyster Company in June 1968, which took the family to Portland, Oregon, and then Danville, Illinois. A precious fourth daughter, Lisa Maria, was born in Danville on December 6, 1971, just before they moved back to Portland, Oregon.

At last, Spencer got his desired baby boy on June 11, 1974, Thomas Spencer Erickson. The family was building a dream home on their own property, “Zion Hill Drive” in Gresham, Oregon.

As an adult; family, church, work, scouts, pictures, movies, and supporting kids happened on schedule by going to bed early, with frugality, and by walking with faith, which Spencer had learned at his mother’s knee. One of the hardest things Spence did was to leave his beloved dream home he had built to work for Eimco Mining in Salt Lake City in August 1984. A year later they purchased a home in Centerville, Utah, and created a self-reliant, beautiful home and yard to raise their last three children. Spencer said he’s never been sorry he moved to “Zion” literally.

Grandkids began to arrive when Spence and Pat were empty nesters. Spencer retired from Thiokol (1987- 2001). They both became Ordinance Workers in the Bountiful Temple (1995-2013). They served four missions together (Illinois Nauvoo, Ohio Columbus, New Hampshire Manchester, and Vancouver British Columbia Temple Construction), always teaching and testifying of their enduring love of Jesus Christ. They are notorious for remembering birthdays and performing small unseen acts of service. They also wrote and documented numerous personal and family histories. They traveled around to ancestral locations in Sweden, UK, Scotland, Switzerland, and Germany. Spencer and Pat even starred in TJ Christensen’s movie- “Seventeen Miracles”.

Spencer loved to work and never sat still. His repairs, building, engineering, and care spread far and wide to bless many others. His body served him well despite how hard he pushed through limitations and pain for many years, which came because of five hip replacements. Serving his family, church, and community constantly, he testified of Christ in all things and all places. We feel he is anxiously engaged on the Lord’s errand in paradise.

Spencer is survived by his eternal companion (wife) of sixty-two years, Pat Erickson; his children: Bonnie Zollinger (Thales); Lucinda Erickson Craythorn; Lisa Erickson; and Thomas Erickson (Karen).

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Monica Zollinger Mower (Kevin); Dimond Zollinger (Fehi); Jerrica Zollinger Stambaugh (Johnathan); Golden Zollinger (Brittany)Sierra Zollinger Pearce (Sam); Stirland Zollinger (Kasey); Todd Erickson (Wendy); Camille Grow (Brighton); Katie Erickson, Abbie Erickson, and Logan Erickson; his great-grandchildren: Kamie, Marc, and Raechel Mower, Kacie Lewis (Damian); Killian, Tai, & Asi Zollinger; Harper, Ryan, Caroline, Charly, & Roy Stambaugh; Greyson, Blake, Henry, & Zeke Zollinger; Steele, Stone, & Stetson Pearce; and Zayden Zollinger; and his great-great-grandchildren: Adler Lewis. Liam & Sadie Erickson; and Thomas Grow. He is survived by his siblings: Bryce Erickson and Rondo Erickson.

Preceded in death by daughter, Dalene Erickson; great-grandson, Kody Mower; parents, Golden and Ina Erickson and three siblings, Shirley Lou Erickson Davis, C.G Jr. Erickson and Carl H Erickson.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Centerville 8th Ward, 210 East 1825 North, Centerville, Utah 84014. Viewing will be held Monday from 12:00–1:00 p.m. prior to services at the church.

You are welcome to view the funeral online using youtube link: https://youtube.com/live/G5YTmQ2AKUw?feature=share

Interment will be at the Centerville City Cemetery, 650 East 400 South in Centerville.