Miya I. Erickson
Miya Isabella Erickson, 14, daughter of Michael and Caroline Erickson and Amy and Walt Zehr was called home to her heavenly father on Sunday, July 8, 2018.
Visitation was Monday, July 16, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader.
Funeral services were Tuesday, July 17, at the church, conducted by Rev. John S. Haugen.
Interment was at East Side Cemetery, Elkader.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader assisted the family.
Miya was born on Dec. 29, 2003, in West Union. She was baptized into St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Feb. 1, 2004, and received her first holy communion on April 22, 2012. Miya was an incoming freshman and had attended Central Community Schools. She was active in both concert band and pep band where she played the flute and piccolo and was selected for Honor Band. Miya also participated in track, enjoyed gymnastics, was a member of the supreme honor roll and was football manager. She attended many Central sporting events supporting her brothers and cousins.
Miya was a lover of nature. She could be found on the river with her family, tending to her bird feeders, or camping. Miya attended Junior Naturalist Camp at Osborne Nature Center for several years. Her hobbies included working in the greenhouse with Grandma Pam, sewing with Grandma Diane, and she was in the process of making a quilt with her mom. Miya loved to read and write. She enjoyed learning how to cook and especially enjoyed making eggs for her brothers. Miya loved the little children as much as they loved her. Her favorite foods were mashed potatoes, Chinese food and sushi.
Miya had a very giving spirit. She was always willing to help anyone and enjoyed giving her time to those in need including volunteering at the Clayton County Food Shelf. During the holidays she found creative ways to provide Christmas gifts to all of her family. Miya was delighted when she passed her permit test on her first try and was able to volunteer to be an organ donor. In continuation of her kind spirit, her final gift was being an organ donor where she was able to help over twelve families. Miya may have been small, but she was mighty!
She is survived by her parents, Michael and Caroline Erickson of Elkader and Amy and Walt Zehr of Strawberry Point; siblings, Noah, Reegan and Gabe Erickson, Tony (Tasha) Koppes and their children, Takoda, Talia, and Taylynn of Elkader, Ashley (Clayton) Paulson and their children Kasin and William of Anamosa, James (Sarah) Zehr and their daughter Charlotte, Steven Zehr, Jordan Zehr and daughter Arianna, and Brendan Zehr of Dyersville; grandparents Bill and Diane Erickson of Elkader, Pam and Steve Stahr of Elkader, Glynn and Betty Noonan of Bernard, and Walburga Manternach of Manchester; great-grandmother Marie Shea of Elkader; aunts and uncles Paul and Kelly Erickson of Elkader, Brian Erickson of Elkader, Brandie Erickson of Elgin, Amy and Matthew Pope of Volga, Nathan and Kari Erickson of Edgewood, and Wade and Rebecca Stahr of Winthrop, along with many cousins and numerous relatives who all loved her dearly.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Epilepsy Foundation of Iowa. Consider being an organ donor, be an advocate for nature, or donate a book to the library in Miya’s name. A scholarship fund will also be established.
Online condolences can be left with www.leonardfuneralhomes.com.
