Dec. 27, 1935 - Nov. 12, 2009

ELKHART -- Arden R. Erickson, 73, of Elkhart passed away on Thursday (Nov. 12, 2009) at 1:25 p.m. at Hubbard Hill.

Arden was born in Elkhart on Dec. 27, 1935, to the late Arvid W. "Pete" and Vera (Reglein) Erickson.

Arden will be greatly missed by his son, Aaron and wife Tina Erickson; grandson Adam Erickson; brother Pastor Douglas and wife Judy Erickson; nieces Dana Trent and Samantha Caggiano; and nephew Mark Erickson. He will be remembered as a wonderful father, brother and uncle and we loved him very much. It was a special time during the holidays when we would all get together and trade stories of the year's experiences.

Arden was an outstanding reporter with the Elkhart Truth Publishing Co. starting in 1962 as Regional Director and retiring in December 2000 as a feature writer after 38 years. He wrote many wonderful human interest stories about many Elkhart people and his father's great "Fourth of July" and about his dog, Bandit, who turned out to be one.

He loved canoeing in Elkhart on the many rivers with friends and even built his own canoe. He enjoyed his trips to the Outer Banks of South Carolina and the ocean from his Navy days and took many trips there.

Arden was a graduate of Elkhart High School and Augustana College and a devoted member of the Elkhart Lions Club. He proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, where he was assigned to the ship newspaper; he was honorably discharged in 1962.

Please join his family and friends on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Augustana Lutheran Church located at 1133 Kilbourn St. in Elkhart. Where the Celebration of his life memorial service will follow at 6 p.m., the Rev. Steven J. Reshan and his brother Pastor Douglas Erickson will officiate. At Arden's request, cremation has taken place with burial at the Veteran's Section in Prairie Street Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at 11 a.m. Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Naval burial detail.

Preferred memorials may be given to the Elkhart Lions Club, P.O. Box 81, Elkhart. The Billings Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Arden's family by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.