Lorene (Lory) Lunders Erikson, 95, passed away on September 29, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Home in Canistota. Funeral mass will begin at 11 am on Monday, October 12, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with family present at 10 am to greet guests. To view a livestream of the service, click the following link:
Lorene (Lory) Irene Scholl was born June 2, 1931 in Madison, SD to Frederick and Johanna (Rittel) Scholl. She grew up and received education there. Lory met her love of her life while working in Salem, SD. On June 15, 1948, Lory was united in marriage to Anthony (Tony) Lunders at St. Mary’s Church.
Together they raised their five children, Dan, Diane, Lori, Lynn and Mary. Lory was an active member of St. Mary’s Altar Society, the Catholic Order of Foresters and Christian Mother’s. She was a hospice volunteer and served on the Advisory Board of Colonial Manor. She also was a volunteer at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and has been a member for 68 years. She held the position of District 6 President and local offices for many years as well as a member 8/40 Davison County Salon in Mitchell. She was employed at the McCook Co. National Bank and retired in 1993. After her retirement she cared for Tony who passed away in 1994 from Parkinson’s Disease.
Lory spent her leisure time making wedding cakes, sewing, quilting, charcoal sketching, bowling, ceramics, and was a Girls Scout leader for many years. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s school, sporting, dancing and musical events.
Lory met Erling Dean Erikson and they were married December 27, 1996. They were married for 24 years. They enjoyed traveling and visiting many Casinos!
Lory is survived by: Diane (Jim) Peterson, Lori (Terry) Tendler, Lynn (Jim) Gottlob, Mary (Rick) Haupt. Lory’s grandchildren: Travis (Amy) Lunders, Wade (Jennifer) Lunders, Chad (Stacia) Lunders, Scott (Becca) Lunders, Dustin (Christina) Tendler, Nicole (Kalen) DeBoer, Curtis (Stephanie) Gottlob, Nick (Sara) Gottlob, Alison (Bobby) Michel, Matthew (Amanda) Gottlob, and step granddaughter Shelley (Andy) Sykes. Great Grandchildren: Tanner, Talan, Maleah, Colin, Brinley, Altea, Deegan, Luke, Kaylee, Logan, Connor, Emma, Tanner, Olivia, Ella, Anthony, Isabelle, Wyatt, Adalynn, Alexis and Avery. Step Great Grandchildren: Rali, Libby, JR, and Logan. One living sister JoAnn Hoines and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lory is also survived by 4 stepchildren, Barb Erpenbach, Kim (Mike) Zens, Kevin (Darla) Erikson, Royce (Jamie) Erikson and numerous step- grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by: parents, her husband Tony and Dean; son Dan; stepdaughter Kristy, and her siblings: Leona, Rudy, Annie, Herbert, Oliver, Adeline, Wesley, and Iola. In lieu of flowers the family will be donating memorials to Lory’s favorite charities.
