Barry W. Erickson

Barry W. Erickson, 81, of Castana, Iowa passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 19, 2026 at Castana Community Church U. C. C., Castana, Iowa, with Pastor Linda Boggs and Jack Gibler, officiating. The family requests those attending the service to please wear casual attire. A recording of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Barry’s obituary. Burial will follow at the Kennebec Cemetery, Castana, Iowa. A visitation will be 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18, 2026 at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Barry William Erickson was born on March 21, 1945, in Sioux City, the son of Robert and Wilda (Aitken) Erickson. He grew up in Castana, where he attended school and graduated in 1963 as part of the first graduating class of West Monona High School in Onawa. Following high school, Barry attended Iowa State University, where he studied Agriculture.

Barry and Marjorie Wallis were united into marriage February 21, 1976 at the First Christian Church in Onawa. To this union two children were born, Ericka and Aaron.

Farming was Barry’s life and passion. He loved being a farmer and took great joy in every part of farm life. When he wasn’t farming, Barry enjoyed woodworking, playing softball, and traveling to Colorado for skiing and snowmobiling. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them on four-wheeler rides and rarely telling them no. One of Barry’s favorite treats was a slice of black raspberry pie.

Barry was actively involved in his community throughout his life. He served for many years as a director on the Monona County Fair Board, Monona County Cattlemen’s Board, Western Iowa Telephone Company Board, and Monona County Mutual Insurance Agency Board. He was a current Kennebec Township Trustee. Barry was also a dedicated member of the Castana Community Church, where he served on the church board for many years.

Survivors include his wife of fifty years, Marjorie Erickson of Castana, Iowa; children, Ericka Erickson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Aaron (Erin) Erickson, of Onawa, Iowa; grandchildren, Elsie Erickson and Tucker Erickson; sister, Sheryl (Michael) Patten of Spencer, Iowa; brother-in-law, Virgil (Marvel) Johnson of Denison, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Margaret (Kelly) Keele of Alma, Arkansas, and Glenda (Dale) Kirby of Cimarron, Kansas; special aunts, Mary LeFebvre and Dorothy LeFebvre; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Wilda (Aitken) Erickson; parents-in-law, Gerald and Maxine (Guttau) Wallis; sister, Carma Johnson; brother, Bernie Erickson; and brother-in-law, Norman Wallis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family, who will designate them to the Monona County Fair Association and the Castana Community Church U.C.C.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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