Caroline Anna Duda was born on July 23, 1945, the daughter of Emil and Victoria (Kilonowski) Duda of Clarissa, Minnesota. Caroline attended Country School District 47, the same as her dad and uncle. In 1963, Caroline graduated from Clarissa High School. After high school, she tried modeling in the big city, but she felt that she could serve Jesus better by doing something else. Caroline then attended Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa.  She obtained her Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma and continued her education, and passed her boards as a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the College of St. Catherine’s in Minneapolis. This was the first diploma of many that she would obtain during her lifelong love of learning.  On November 7, 1987, Caroline married the love of her life, Curt Erickson, at Northwestern College. After meeting Curt, Caroline’s adventurous heart had met its match. Her heart was made for new adventures. She often said, “Have suitcase, will travel,” and that is what she did. She made multiple trips to Europe and Hawaii, often having the opportunity to travel with her husband, Curt, and his men’s choir. They rode motorcycle to the East Coast, and travelled to Fort Myers, Florida, enjoying the sandy beaches. They had RV adventures to Ohio around Amish Country and visited the cabin in Cambridge, Minnesota. They were faithful in their religion and shared their faith and testimony while distributing bibles around the world, volunteering with Gideon International.

Caroline took advantage of every opportunity she could to spend time with her “Kids”, her nieces and nephews. She would take a week of vacation and stay with her sister, and help care for her and her newborn. She even had the opportunity to be in the operating room when her nephew Jacob was born. As the children got older, she would plan a week where each would come and stay with her individually and plan special outings and events. Caroline loved and cherished the memories made with her family.

Caroline's hobbies were many; in her downtime, she could be found painting pictures, sewing just about anything, including handcrafting beautiful wedding dresses. She enjoyed crafting, even taking the time to make elaborate hats for special occasions. Her singing and caregiving soul will be missed by many.

Caroline is survived by her sisters, Lueann Duda and Marlyn (Mark) Duus; nieces, Joy Duus and Melody (Charles) Oregon; and nephew, Jacob (Camille) Duus.  Caroline is preceded in death by her husband, Curt Erickson; brother, William Duda; and niece, Jessica Duus.