Marvin Jacob Erickson

Marvin Jacob Erickson, 85, passed peacefully at Livingston Health and Rehab on Feb. 18. 2021 after having been diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2016.Marvin was born on July 10, 1935 in Osakis, MN to Jacob Erickson and Esther Jensen.Marvin graduated from Osakis High School in 1953. He worked on numerous farms until he joined the army in 1958. He served in the Korean war where he drove for a Colonel. While oversees he got to see Elvis perform live.On a trip out west with his cousin he fell in Love with Yellowstone Park.So, it was only natural after he married Mary Jean Johnston on April 6, 1968 in St. Paul, MN that they would move to Livingston, MT. Soon after they were blessed with two daughters, Sharie and Cathy.Marvin was an active member of Holbrook United Methodist Church for over 40 years. He sang in the choir and was a trustee.Marvin drove a scraper, which he only tipped over once, for Empire Sand and Gravel building roads across Montana for over 40 years until he retired.Marvin was proud that he had the opportunity of hiking the Appalachian Trail after retirement. He was known on the trail as "Yellowstone Man."But we all know that his true love was Yellowstone National Park.He journaled all his hikes, so we have some impressive numbers.He did 104 backpacking trips - 79 backcountry trips - Livingston Peak 10 times, the last time at 75 years old. Pine Creek lake 7 times; and he watched Old Faithful erupt 49 times!His favorite was a three day hike into Heart Lake.He met his partner till the end, Gracie Scher, at 73 years young. He learned to dance and loved to play Mexican Railroad with their friends.He will be remembered for his love of pie!! Never to turn down a slice or three.Marvin is survived by his daughters,Sharie (Jem) Blueher of Livingston, MTCathy (Bill) Fallang of Livingston, MT.Grandsons, William Fallang, Calvin and Colton Blueher.His partner, Gracie Scher of Livingston, MT.Brother, Harvey (Ann) Erickson of Garrison, MNSisters, Norma Rogers of Rocky Point, COEileen Trisco of Nampa, ID and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as numerous Hiking BuddiesMarvin was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Mary in 1993;his parents, and an infant sister, Jeanette Vernice; brothers-in-law Dean Trisco and Bill Rogers.Services will be held Saturday, July 10th, 1 PM at Holbrook United Methodist Church, burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery with Veteran's honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Yellowstone Park Association, PO Box 1110 - Gardiner, MT 59030.Next time you're in Yellowstone think of Dad!Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.