Keith Erickson

Keith (“Barcelona”) T. Erickson, 73, of Two Harbors—a world traveler, sailor, loyal friend, father, and uncle—sailed his last ship on Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by family.

Keith was born on June 22, 1952, to Marvin and Lois (Ryan) Erickson and grew up in Two Harbors. After high school, Keith joined the U.S. Merchant Marine and spent many years on the Great Lakes. Later in his career, he spent time working on boats in the Gulf of Mexico.

Keith loved to travel and share his most notable shenanigans with his kids. We heard many tales of cars being driven off cliffs and run-ins with pirates. We loved to revisit these stories and question the possible embellishments, but we greatly valued them for how much our dad lit up while sharing them. He especially loved talking about his time in the Caribbean and always dreamed of returning with his loved ones.

He will be remembered for his generosity and his rogue, mischievous personality. He was in his element around children, always finding ways to make them laugh and smile. Even as he aged into a crabby old man, he continued to find humor in life and sought comfort in his relationships with his friends, family, and neighbors.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lois Erickson; his brothers, Jay, Donald, and Rodney Erickson; and his sister, Jackie Bustrom.

He is survived by his children, Nolan Erickson and Marisha (Matt) Fenner; his granddaughter, Gwendolyn Fenner; and his nieces and nephews, Peter (Selena) Erickson, Kirk (Victoria) Bustrom, Heidi (Chad) Frantz, and Jesse Erickson.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, beginning at 1 PM at the American Legion in Two Harbors.