Dorothy Lorriane (Torrens) Erickson, (95), formerly of Ceresco, passed away on January 19, 2015 in Lincoln. Born on December 27, 1919 on a farm near Colon. NE, daughter of John R. (Ford) and Ruth Torrens, she was the second of seven children. During her childhood, Dorothy lived on several farms near Colon, until the family settled in Cedar Bluffs, where she graduated from Cedar Bluffs High School in 1937.
Dorothy was a tireless worker throughout her life, beginning with helping to raise younger siblings. During the tough times of the 1930s, she helped her parents in the Produce Station they ran, did housework in private homes, and worked for several families to prepare food for thrashing crews. Following graduation, she moved to Wahoo, NE where she worked in a number of places, including the Rexall Drug Store, the Register of Deeds office, and the City Café. It was while waitressing in the City Café that she met her future husband, Joseph (Joe) Emmanual Erickson. Dorothy and Joe were married on November 30, 1945 following his return from service in WWII.
Dorothy and Joe lived on a farm near Ceresco where Dorothy spent her time raising three children, cooking and delivering food and coffee to Joe in the fields, and having her daily conversation with her mother on the phone. She met monthly with her Extension group and was very active in the life of her church, the First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo. Over the years she taught Sunday School, participated in Bible studies, was active in Ladies Aide, and involved in the Mariners group, of which she and Joe were members. The Erickson children learned to count change by sorting, and packaging coins on the kitchen table each Sunday afternoon, during the years Dorothy served as the Sunday School treasurer. Dorothy was known as a kind and joyful woman. She was the first to help a friend, deliver a casserole, or serve coffee at church.
After Joe and Dorothy moved to Ceresco in 1968, Dorothy worked briefly as a cook at Raymond Central High School. She ended her work life as a bookkeeper in the County Clerks Office of Saunders County. Throughout her life, she found great fulfillment in the accomplishments of her children, as evidenced by the volumes of newspaper clippings found in photo albums, scrapbooks, and just about every book in her home. She delighted in being with her grandchildren as they were growing up; playing games, cooking their favorite foods; celebrating birthdays and holidays; and attending piano recitals, T-Ball games, soccer games, and gymnastics meets. She supported each of their endeavors and was proud of them as they grew into successful and compassionate young adults.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph (Joe) Erickson, and brothers Leslie Torrens (Fremont) and Delmar Torrens (Los Cruses, NM). She is survived by her children, Rev. Nancy J. Erickson of Lincoln, Bill Erickson (Kris) of Lincoln, and Professor Joan Erickson (Brian Husby), of Aurora, Ill.; five grandchildren, Ellie Erickson, Aaron Rankin, AnnieLaurie Erickson, Jonathan Rankin (Carrie), and Hannah Rankin; two step-grandchildren, Mason Husby and Conor DoRan; and one great-grandson, Cooper Joseph Rankin; brothers and sisters, Melva Anderson of Broomfiled, CO, Jim (Joann) Torrens of Omaha, Lyle (Leona) Torrens of Wahoo, Imogene (Leroy) Hanson of Kansas City, MO; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children.
Memorial service: 11 am Friday (1/23) at First-Plymouth, 2000 D St., Lincoln, with Revs. Gary Torrens (nephew) and Barb Smisek officiating.
Memorials to First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo.