Joel Richard Erickson returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father from his home in Moroni, Utah, on Oct. 28, 2021. He was born to Dixie M. McKinnon and Joel H. Erickson on June 5, 1952 in Provo, Utah, as the oldest of four siblings.
Joel married the mother of his eight children, Lynda J. Sutherland, on Dec. 14, 1975 in Denver, Colorado. Joel and Lynda were divorced in 1992. Joel then married Judith (Judie) A. Kofford Johnson on May 15, 1993, and they spent his remaining 28 years happily together, enjoying traveling and camping, visiting their children and grandchildren, and their service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Joel was soft-spoken, intelligent, kind, humble, funny, and loving. He was incredibly skilled and used his skills to bless all those who came into contact with him. He took many roles in his life including: Scout leader, mentor, religious leader, master carpenter, handyman, military leader, father, grandfather, and loving husband. He was a man of few words but expressed the depth and beauty of his soul through the careful intention he put into everything he did. There was seemingly nothing he couldn’t fix, figure out, or build.
Joel had an unmatched work ethic and applied himself fully to all that he did. He was drafted into the Army in 1972 and spent two years as a Specialist E4 of the 124th Maintenance Battalion 2nd Armored Division. His mechanic skills were put to use fixing tanks, jeeps, and machinery for the troops. He then served 37 years in the National Guard as a Sergeant over the Maintenance Section, during which time he built roads in Utah and for native communities in both Panama and Alaska. He worked for 31 years as a mechanic/electrician in Deer Creek Coal Mine.
Joel truly lived in the image of Christ. He was always of service to others, his family, his country, his community, and the Lord. He had a strong testimony and faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served on the High Council, as a counselor in the bishopric, and in the baptistry at the Manti Temple. He oversaw the Family History Center and among many other church callings, he especially enjoyed serving in the Scouting program.
Joel is preceded in death by his brother, Fredrick Erickson, and grandson, David Erickson Jr.
Joel is survived by his wife, Judie Erickson; children Andrew (Sarah) Erickson, Benjamin (Sarah) Erickson, Carolyn Kellogg, David Erickson, Eric (Erika) Erickson, Forrest (Hanna) Erickson, Greggory Erickson, and Holly Erickson; stepchildren Lorinda Anthony, Tyler (Kristen) Johnson, Brett (Marrisa) Johnson; 23 grandchildren; and siblings Becky Erickson and Ray Erickson.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joel’s life at the Moroni Stake Center (82 N Center Street, Moroni) Friday Nov. 5, 2021 at 11AM. Viewings will be held Thu. Nov. 4th from 6-8PM, and Fri. Nov. 5th 9:30-10:30 AM, both at the Moroni Stake Center. Interment will be at the Moroni City Cemetery. Online condolences at rasmussenmortuary.com
