Eleanor R. "Elly" Erickson

January 14, 1942 - April 16, 2019

Memorials to Bennington Library or Verdigre School Library Eleanor Ruth Bailey Erickson was born on January 14, 1942 in Tekamah, Nebraska to Maxwell and Mildred (Quick) Bailey. She grew up in Tekamah where she attended grade school and graduated from Tekamah High School in 1959. As a young girl, Elly was a tom-boy and loved the outdoors. She often referred to her family as dirt poor and happy. Elly married Blaine Erickson on January 31, 1960 at the Baptist Church in Tekamah, Nebraska and they were blessed with four children: Bret, Greg, Joel and Mara. Elly and Blaine raised their family in Bennington. Elly spent the majority of her time raising her family. From 1967 to 1972, Eleanor and Blaine owned and operated the Sportsman’s Bar in Bennington. In later years, she worked at Menard’s and other odd jobs. Elly was a talented trap shooter, avid card player and a great cook. She was patient, generous, feisty and loved being a grandma. Elly enjoyed a good book and a glass of wine. Elly passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 77 years, 3 months and 2 days. She was preceded in death by her parents Maxwell and Mildred, husband Blaine, brother Jack and grandson Ryan Erickson. Elly is survived by her Children, Bret and Lisa of Fremont, Greg of Bennington, Joel and Heidi of Pierce, NE and Mara and Ken Breithaupt of Verdigre, NE; 6 grandchildren, Mara and Cole Erickson, Sydney and Nick Erickson and Ty and Bree Breithaupt. Sisters Susan Kennedy of GA, Maxine(Les) Ray of Tekamah, NE and Marge Nielsen of Davenport, NE; brother Mike (Regina) Bailey of GA;