John Rel Erickson

ALBION - John Rel Erickson, 81, of Albion, passed away Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, at Minidoka Memorial Hospital in Rupert.

Rel was born in Almo, Idaho, on June 28, 1934, the son of John Emery and Edris (Glenn) Erickson. He was raised in a loving, hard-working family. Rel graduated from Raft River High School and began his working career. On Aug. 30, 1954, Rel married Darlene Durfee, and together, they raised three children, Shawny, Johnny and Gary.

Rel loved ranching and spent the majority of his life as in independent masonry contractor. He and Darlene lived in Las Vegas, Nev., for many years and upon retirement, returned to Albion where he had since resided.

He enjoyed 4-wheeling, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, and traveling. However, most important to Rel was his family. He was a devoted husband to Darlene, a loving father who taught his children the value of hard work, honesty, and living a life with integrity, and a grandfather who simply adored his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene Erickon of Albion; his children, Shawny (Greg) Grove of Albion, Johnny Erickson of Almo, and Gary (Connie) Erickson of Albion; ten grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a brother, Ben Erickson of St. George, Utah; and a brother-in-law, Carl Thalgott of Mountain View, Ark.

Rel was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ann Thalgott.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Almo LDS Church, with Bishop Jason Tracy officiating. Burial will be in the Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.