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Vaughn Milo Erekson

Vaughn Milo Erekson

Aug. 10, 1944 - Aug. 17, 2024

Date of Service: Aug. 28, 2024

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Vaughn Milo Erekson

DECLO – On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Vaughn Milo Erekson saddled up for the last time and rode off into the sunset to join his son, Shane Erekson. He was loved by everyone he crossed paths with, and didn’t leave anyone without a “Miloism.” He was a loving and caring son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Milo brought joy and a smile to everyone he met, regardless of their age, background, religion, who they were and where they came from.

Milo was born August 10, 1944, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Vaughn Miller and Lucy Andrus Erekson. He was the oldest brother to a crew of Erekson children: David, Shannon, Steven (Bones), Rolayne, Fiona, Paul, Pete, Lucy, Jeff, and Jerry. Milo always said he was the oldest, the shortest, and the best looking and would back that up any time any day.

Milo was raised on the Erekson dairy farm where there were surely a lot of shenanigans and his love for early mornings was born. He attended McMillan Elementary, Murray Junior High and Murray High School. Milo continued his education at Snow College and earned his bachelor’s degree in farm management from Utah State University.

Milo was a family man to his core. He always said that it was the red hair that hooked him when he first saw Gayle, and their love story has continued for 45 years. Moving to Raft River to run his dry farm in the late 1970s made for lots of family time, adventures, and even more stories to tell. This is where his love of horses, hunting, and fishing started to evolve. Moving to Declo was where his path led to next, and where the adventures continued. He slowly added golfing and bowling to his diverse resume…and you might even have caught him substitute teaching here and there, where the kids all loved his nonchalant joking mannerisms. Being a 4-H leader for many years also allowed for more people to get to enjoy the laid back sweet nature of Milo.

He served many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faithfully. He worked in the temple for twelve years, and his interest in genealogy increased.

Milo never met a stranger, and those of you who have spent time with him will remember him forever. He always left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and he will be dearly missed and dearly remembered. He has been an example to each and everyone.

Milo was survived by his sweetheart, Gayle Erekson; his children, Curtis (Mary) Peterson, Andrea (Sean) Kelleher, Lisa (Corey) Gates, and Kodi (Jason) Wright; and his grandchildren, Brendan, Lauren, Coleton (Liya), Cooper, Harper, Declan, Oakli (Troy), Jadi, Kason, Koleson, Sage, Dallas, and Gracie, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn and Lucy; his son, Shane; his two brothers, Steve and Jerry; and sister, Rolayne.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Declo Stake Center, located at 213 W. Main Street, in Declo, with Bishop Fred Darrington officiating. Burial will follow at Declo Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from noon until 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service, at the church.

The family suggests memorials be directed to the Cassia County 4-H program, or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/7RmoM6bZons.

Listen to the Service:

Condolences for Vaughn Milo Erekson

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Dustie Smith:
Gayle, I'm so sorry for your loss. I would love to rekindle our friendship from many years ago.
From Gayle Bachtell:
Gayle, my heart aches for your loss of Milo. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
From LeAnn Jorgensen Tinney:
Oh, Gayle, my family loves yours, so much! I’m very sorry. I’m sure that Milo and my mom have already had a few laughs! Sending your whole family hugs and love, peace and comfort at this difficult time.
From Don Hanzel:
My condolences to Milo's friends and family. The world has lost such a likable, friendly, good-hearted guy.
From Sarah smith:
I had the pleasure of taking care of Milo for the last year and a half. He was nothing but a shining light in a world growing dark. I loved every minute of caring for him. He was the most gentle, witty and light hearted man I’ve met. He truly made everyone’s days better. My condolences to your family, Milo will be missed beyond measure.
From Steven Sherard:
He was like a second grand dad to me, I love being able to take care of him. I love when he said "Would I do that" With that mischievous grin. He will be greatly missed, thank you for trusting me with his care.
From Nola Asher:
Gayle, a super light has been taken to its Heavenly home and will greatly be missed in this world. Love to you and your family during this trial. May you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories he left for all of us. Love and hugs!
From David R Price Boyd R Poulton:
We have been friends of The Milo family since they moved from Utah.
He and i were around an Oakley person that gave him the Nickname Grease Rack
Some thing about working at a service station
We , Boyd Poulton and I had a relationship in the Realestate business and the Declo Church
He will be missed in the neighborhood
From Dan and Brenda Pruett:
We are so sorry about Milo, We Love him and you so much, you both done so much for us I will be Praying for you and your family.
From Perry Gillette:
Milo was a joy to be around. I met Milo bowling and we hit it off immediately. Will miss him
From Kendel & Lisa Asher:
Gayle, my heart breaks for you and your family. Sending sincere thoughts and prayers.
From Tom &Ilene Hogan:
Gayle, I know he was your sweetheart and this makes me so sad. We’re thinking of you and sending prayers for comfort.
From Al and Kathy Barrus:
Our thoughts prayers and love go out to Gayle and her family at this difficult time. Al and Kathy Barrus
From Emery Osterhout:
This world could definitely use more Milo’s! I don’t remember many times that I talked with Milo and didn’t have a good laugh. He will certainly be missed and the trees on the golf course will miss him watering them, lol! Prayers and love to Gayle and the Erekson family.
From Gloria Tegan:
Sending good tender thoughts to you Gayle, Curtis and girls. Love you.
From Karla Forest:
Milo was the father figure I needed in my youth. He always made me feel welcome in his home. He got me through high school by feeding my teenage soul with humor and my teenage belly with Saturday morning pancakes. Love you, Gayle and family. Thinking of you.
From Gaylen and Carolyn Smyer:
Gayle and family, we are so sorry to hear of Milo's passing. He was a great man that often used his quick wit and sayings to produce a smile. He will be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you well for the coming weeks and months.
From Marianne (Turner) Jensen:
I have so many great childhood memories with the Erekson family! Milo taught me how to show a horse, how to try new things like cream soda and Cream of Wheat cereal, and how to build a treehouse in his backyard. He also showed me how to put ice cubes in a glass of milk, which I then learned needs to be consumed quickly before the ice cubes melt. Thank you for the laughs, love, and wonderful memories, Erekson family! I am so sorry to hear of Milo’s passing. I love you all!
From Joye and John Simpson:
We always enjoyed Milo. He made us laugh and smile. Sending love and hugs to you, Gayle and the family.
From Susan and Jim Kempton:
Gayle, we send our love and sympathy to you and your wonderful family. Milo was a unique person, and we had many a chuckle over the years. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you go through these difficult times
From L D Sager:
We send our sincere condolences to the Erickson family. I always enjoyed visiting with Milo about every day experiences and adventures, of which he had so many. Always appreciated the many times he substituted my classes at DHS. His written comments about those times were colorful and entertaining. May the Lord’s tender mercies be with Gayle and family at this time.
From Jann Beale:
Gayle I’m so heartbroken to hear of Milo’s passing. He was such an exceptional man. He always had a smile and good advice. He was ever so caring to my kids. We so loved having you as neighbors. Sending you love and comfort sweet friend.
From Mike and Nan:
What a great guy! Lots of memories!
Condolences to the family!
From Colleen James:
Oh Gayle! My heart breaks for your loss and the pain you must be feeling. May God bless you and bring you the “peace that surpasses all understanding.”
From Jackie Paskett Higley :
Gayle, I’m so sorry to hear of Milo’s passing. I’ve always cherished the friendship we had. Milo was a great person, as are you! Thoughts and prayers are with you.
From Lottie Hurst :
Sending love and prayer of comfort to a dear friend , you both made such an impact in my families life , we all loved you , especially Lisa has a special place in her heart for you and Milo, love Lottie
From Dan Rorris:
Gayle, So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out for you and the family. Milo was always an enjoyable person to be around.
From Gloria Tegan:
Sending hugs and tender thoughts to all of you.
From Susy Harper :
We are so sorry about Milo’s passing. We love him and you, Gayle, and will always be grateful for all you have done for us and the influence for good that you’ve been in our lives. We loved having you for neighbors. We will pray that you will be comforted by the Holy Ghost.
Love you lots! Gary and Susy Harper

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