Allen B "Al" or "Swen" Erickson, passed away on June 19, 2024, in Grand Forks, ND with family by his side. He was the husband of Alana Erickson. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage.

Allen was born January 19, 1946, in Grand Forks, ND, to Alvin and Bernice Erickson. He graduated from Central High School in 1964. Allen took pride in winning three state championship titles with the Central High School hockey team. He was offered a scholarship to play football at Montana State University but turned down the offer due to the death of his father, Alvin. He changed his direction and served in the Army Reserves for 6 years.

He moved back to Grand Forks after boot camp and met the love of his life, Alana, through mutual friends. Allen married Alana Bertsch on September 16, 1967, and each day was a new adventure. They were blessed with four children; Shane, Shanna, Max, and Chelsie; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Allen attended the University of North Dakota and earned a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology in 1974. He worked as a planner for MN Agassiz Developmental Disabilities Council.

In the early 1980's, Allen operated Central Flyway Outfitters, a hunting guide service out of the Lakota, ND area, and West River Charters, a fishing guide service in Lake Sakakwea, ND. Allen was the first US Coast Guard licensed captain in the State of North Dakota for his charter business. In 1986, he and his brother-in-law, Rod Bertsch, opened Ayrcom Contractors.

He was truly blessed with the very best family and friends. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, introducing them to his love of the outdoors, and often spoiling them with "sweet treats." Watching sports like UND hockey, Nebraska Cornhuskers football, and the Dallas Cowboys were among his favorite pastimes. He was known for going after the "big one" whether it was winning a game of bingo or catching a fish.

Allen is survived by his wife, Alana Erickson; his children, Shane Erickson, Shanna (Jason) Hanson, Max (Kylie) Erickson, and Chelsie Erickson; nine grandchildren, Austin Pouliot, Bryar Hanson, Sadie Hanson, Sophia Hanson, Lainey Erickson, Ellie Erickson, Kreed Erickson, Adeline Erickson, and Judd Erickson; one great-grandchild, Trapper Hanson; sister Kay Erickson and sister-in-law Judy Erickson; brother-in-law Rod Bertsch; sister-in-laws LoRia (Gary) Novak and Paula (Kevin) Kallinen; his nephew, Sean (Ruth) Erickson; and nieces, Sonja (Brent) Johnson, and Suzanne (Dan) Dubisar; lifelong friends, Richard Rasmusson, Lyle Davis, and many, many other friends who were as close as family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin (Bernice) Erickson; brothers, Elroy Erickson and Harlan Erickson; brother-in-law Todd Axdahl; and great-nephew Nolan Erickson.

A Memorial Service: Will be held at 5:00pm on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel. A family greeting will be held one hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Friday.