LaDonna M. (Peterson) Ericson

     LaDonna “Donna” M. Ericson, 88 of Loup City, NE died Saturday, January 14, 2017 at her home in Loup City surrounded by her family. Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Arcadia, NE with Reverend Dr. Jeff D. Hale officiating. A continuation of Celebration of Life services will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the American Legion Club in Loup City.  Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City, NE. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Ericson family or donor’s choice.

     LaDonna M. (Peterson) Ericson was born November 22, 1928 in Minden, NE to Arvid Emanuel and Laura Mildred (Sandall) Peterson.  She grew up in Minden and graduated from Minden High School.  On August 20, 1950, she was united in marriage to John “Russel” Ericson at Minden, NE.  Donna moved with Russ to Fort Riley, KS and following his discharge from the military, they moved to Axtell.  In 1962, they moved their family to Arcadia to be in the ranch and dairy business.  While in Arcadia, Donna worked for the Arcadia State Bank as a bank teller and Arcadia Public Schools as a bookkeeper.  Donna and Russel purchased Mason Motors in Arcadia and Vern’s Automotive in Loup City and began their Ford franchise in 1972.  Following the 1973 Arcadia tornado, the two businesses were combined and Russ and Donna moved to Loup City in 1975.  Russel died on August 13, 1978 and in 1980, Donna married her dear friend, Andrew McMurtry.  Donna was a shareholder in Ericson Ford, Inc. and worked as the secretary/bookkeeper until her recent health decline.  Donna was a member of the United Methodist Church, the P.E.O.  Sisterhood, the Ord Elks Club, the American Legion Auxiliary and served as Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star #78 .  She enjoyed bowling, golf and playing cards, especially Bridge. Family and friends played a very important part in Donna’s life.

     She is survived by her daughter, Linda Sue Ansbach of Loup City; son and daughter-in-law, John Russel and Cindy Ericson of Loup City; daughter and son-in-law, Laura Lee and Ron Hurlburt of Arcadia; daughter, Martha Marie Vermaas of Loup City; son, James Kevin Ericson of West Des Moines, Iowa; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Arvid and Laura; husbands, John “Russel” Ericson and Andrew McMurtry; brothers, Mervin, Robert, Earl and Donald; sister, Francel Rodine and great-grandson, Riley Ansbach.

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