Background
Erickson, Wendell Oliver was born on June 17, 1925 in Stanchfield, Minnesota, United States. Son of Raymond and Helen Sophia (Anderson) Erickson.
Erickson, Wendell Oliver was born on June 17, 1925 in Stanchfield, Minnesota, United States. Son of Raymond and Helen Sophia (Anderson) Erickson.
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Education, University of Minnesota, 1951; postgraduate, University of Minnesota, 1963.
First elected in 1964, Erickson was re-elected every two years until 1986. A Republican, he represented the old Districts 19B and 26B and, later, 27B, which included all or portions of Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone and Rock counties, changing somewhat through redistricting in 1970 and 1980. While in the legislature, Erickson earned a reputation as a leader on issues relevant to education and agriculture.
He allied with the Conservative Caucus at a time when the legislature was still officially nonpartisan, and later identified as a Republican when party affiliation became required of candidates.
Erickson served on the House Agriculture, Appropriations, Budget, Commerce, Education & Higher Education, Environmental Preservation, Judiciary, Labor Relations, Rules & Legislative Administration and Transportation committees, and on various other committee incarnations and subcommittees during his 22 years in office. He was chair of the House Education Committee during his final term in office, having also served previously as chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education in 1979.
Erickson was, along with senators Dennis Frederickson, Earl Renneke and Jim Vickerman, and representatives Aubrey Dirlam, Henry Kalis and Gilbert Esau, one of the longest-serving legislators from southern Minnesota in the state"s history. He was unseated by Andy Steensma in the wave of Democratic victories that swept southwestern Minnesota in the DFL Party"s "Firestorm" of 1986.
In 1968, Erickson was appointed to the Minnesota Education Council by Governor Harold LeVander, serving for several years.
From the city of Hills, Erickson was a farm management instructor and vocational agriculture teacher. He served in the United States Army Infantry during World World War II, being deployed in the Asiatic theatre for two years.
Republican Party of Minnesota, Republican Party.
Chairman education committee Minnesota Legislature, St. Paul, 1985-1986, chairman education diu, appointments, 1979-1981. Chairman stewardship committee Beth Lutheran Church Staff sergeant United States Army, 1944-1946. Member American Farm Bureau, Minnesota Association of Counties, Gideon's, University Minnesota College Agriculture Alumni Association (president 1990, Distinguished Service award 1991).
Married Kathryn Thorsgard, May 30, 1953. Children: Margaret, Kirsten, Charles, Anna, Hans.