Norman Erickson

Norman Small Erickson, age 78, of Archer, Idaho, passed away at home on June 16, 2026, after a courageous six-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Norman was born November 8, 1947, to Norman Blackburn Erickson and Bessie Amelia Small. He was raised in Archer, Idaho, in a hardworking farm family, where he developed the work ethic and determination that shaped his entire life. He attended Archer Elementary and graduated from Madison High School in 1966. He later served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Florida Mission, where he was the 100th missionary sent from the Archer Ward.

Norman married Susan Ann Matthews on January 8, 1971, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service. They attended Ricks College together, where Norman studied business and Susan studied English and art. In their early married years, they lived in Rexburg and Logan, Utah, while Norman worked several jobs, attended school, served in Army ROTC, and began learning the business skills that would later define much of his career.

Norman and Susan were blessed with six children: Norman Matthew “Matt,” Heather Ann, Andrea, Celeste Amelia, Joel Micah, and Jared Rhett. Their family eventually settled in Archer, where they built their home and raised their children among gardens, animals, farm work, church service, school activities, and family business ventures. Norman was a hands-on father who taught his children through work, example, humor, and steady determination.

Norman worked for CAL Ranch Stores and became manager after surviving the Teton Dam Flood of 1976, when he and coworker Gary Hawkins escaped the floodwaters by climbing to the roof of the CAL Stores building and were later airlifted to safety. His experience was later featured in a Reader’s Digest article.

In 1982, Norman started American West, a western wear and supply business. Through years of sacrifice, problem-solving, and long hours, he grew the business into a two-store operation, including a location in Idaho Falls. After selling the stores in 1998, he continued working in sales and business, including positions with Stone’s Town and Country, KIFI, Valley Wide Co-op, and Taylor Chevrolet.

Later in life, Norman joined Susan in building Plum Tree Flower Farm, which became a significant flower-growing operation serving flower shops throughout southeast Idaho and Jackson Hole. Even during cancer treatments, Norman continued to work, walk, serve, and make the most of each day.

Norman served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life, including service as bishop of the Archer Ward, bishop of a student ward at BYU-Idaho, and as a high councilor in two stakes. He also served his community as a member of the school board in the Madison School District. He loved the temple and made worship there a regular and meaningful part of his life.

Norman loved running, hiking, swimming, biking, and being outdoors. He was known for his grit, humor, generosity, resilience, and “uncornerable” spirit. Whether facing business challenges, accidents, illness, or long days of work, Norman met life with determination. His life was a pattern of faith, family, hard work, service, and love.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Ann Matthews Erickson; his children, Norman Matthew “Matt” Erickson, Heather Ann Crow (Jeff), Andrea Lindsey (Guy), Celeste Amelia Stoddard (Chris), Joel Micah Erickson (Valerie), and Jared Rhett Erickson (Lindsay); 25 grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; and siblings Eric Erickson (Beverly), Georgia Erickson, Victor Erickson (Mona), Tonya Junkert (Gerard), and Herman Erickson (Michelle).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Blackburn Erickson and Bessie Amelia Small Erickson, and a niece, Heidi Thomas.

The family will receive friends at a visitation the evening prior to the funeral on Friday, June 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dalby Ward Church, 201 W. 8000 S., Rexburg, Idaho and on Saturday from 10:00 till 10:45 am prior to service. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 27, at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be at Sutton Cemetery in Archer.

The family expresses gratitude to Aspen Home Health and Hospice, Teton Cancer Institute, Seasons Medical, Lindsey Health Clinic in Logan, Utah, his cancer care team at Huntsman Cancer Institute, and his many family members and friends for their loving care and support.