Helen C. Erickson age 88 of Detroit Lakes, MN died December 6, 2016 at the Essentia Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Helen C. Erickson was born April 10, 1928 in Frazee, MN to Fred and Emma Bachman. She grew up and received her education in Frazee, MN. On April 16, 1948 she was united in marriage to Merlyn Erickson. They lived in Audubon, MN for a short time before moving to a farm near Detroit Lakes. Helen worked at White Drug in Detroit Lakes and also as a waitress at Four Corners. She was also an accomplished Author. She wrote several articles that were in national magazines, as well as Mystery and Romance books that were published. Helen enjoyed ceramics, oil painting, traveling and gardening. She was an avid Twins and Vikings fan. She was an active member of the Bakke Lutheran Church, and a member of the Rebecca Circle and the Quilters. Time spent with family was very important to her, especially babysitting her great grandchildren. She is survived by three daughters, Diane Erickson, of Detroit Lakes, MN; Sharri Abendano, of Detroit Lakes, MN; and Shelly (Kevin) Erickson-Keith, of Burbank, CA; five grandchildren, Danielle Abendano, Amber Abendano, Lindsay Erickson, Courtney Erickson, and Craig (Jessica) Erickson; five great grandchildren; one sister, Alyce (Ron) Reed, of Chico, CA; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlyn; son, Jeff Erickson; daughter, Vicki Erickson; brother, John Bachman; and her parents. Memorial Services will be on Monday December 12, 2016; 11:00 a.m. at the Bakke Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, with a prayer service at 4:30 p.m.