JOHN ERLANDSON SR.

John Lyle Erlandson Sr., of Cambridge, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at his home.  He was 84 years old.

John was born on March 1, 1940, in Montevideo, Minnesota to parents Lowell and Irene (Mikelson) Erlandson.  He grew up in Maynard, graduating from Maynard High School in 1958.  John was united in marriage to Donna Mae Colestock on January 18, 1958, and they were blessed with three children. 

John enlisted in the United States Navy, serving a distinguished 26-year career before retiring as a Naval Commander in 1983.  During his service, John was able to attend the University of Minnesota on the GI bill, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in business.  After retiring from the Navy, John began his second career as an Insurance Agent, which he continued to do up until his death.

After spending many years in San Diego, California; John and Donna moved to their home on Lake Fannie near Cambridge in 1990.  John loved his community and was active on the Cambridge Township and Lake Association boards, as well as being an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Helios Masonic Lodge in Cambridge.

John loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting deer, bear, pheasant, and duck.  A proud member of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, John served 2 terms as the State President. Most of all, John loved his family.  He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, dad, grandpa, great grandpa and friend.  He will be missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife Donna; children, Laura Vanella, John Jr. (Michele), and Peggy; grandchildren, Benny (Amie) Vanella, Maria (Joey) Ko, Rosanna (Adrian) Candelario, Rachel (Nick) Kotsmith, Luke, Thomas, and Jason Erlandson; great grandchildren, Paul and Laurianna Garcia, Kensie Ko, Isabella and Sal Vanella, Maelynn, Leila, and Emilia Candelario, Gavin, Blake, and Jack Kotsmith; brothers, Glenn (Diane), and Jack Erlandson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, October 14, 2024 at the Braham Event Center.   

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Monday, beginning at 1:00 pm.

Interment and Military Honors will follow at the Union Cemetery in Cambridge.  

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of JOHN ERLANDSON SR., please visit our Tree Store.