Nance Carlo Erickson

Nance Carlo Erickson, 86, of Archer, Idaho, passed away on May 15, 2026, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, of natural causes.

Carlo was born on April 16, 1940, in the families log home in Archer, Idaho, to Bernard and Mattie Jackson Erickson. A lifelong resident of Archer, he spent his childhood attending schools in Madison County, playing church ball, and helping his parents on the family farm. Hard work was something Carlo never shied away from, and his work ethic was evident to all who knew him. Perhaps no greater example of that dedication was seen than during the construction of the Archer Ward chapel, when his father was serving as bishop. Carlo and his brother Gary contributed more volunteer hours to the construction than anyone else in the community — a testament to the character they carried throughout their lives.

Carlo graduated from Madison High School in 1958 and shortly after traveled to Weiser, Idaho, where he attended and completed Heavy Equipment Operation School. Upon returning home, he married Ellen Marie Mortensen on June 10, 1959. Together they built their home in Archer and built a life filled with hard work and dedication. Farming, ranching, and milking dairy cows. They raised four wonderful children and were blessed with 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Following their marriage, Carlo and Ellen Marie briefly relocated to Hamer, Idaho, where he worked as a ranch hand for Loren Grover. He later secured a position at the sugar factory in Idaho Falls, where he worked for 20 years. During that time, he had the opportunity to travel for work-related assignments, including trips to Chicago and Florida. His reputation for reliability and excellence led him to be recruited — without ever submitting another application — for a position at Golden Valley Packers in Roberts, Idaho. That job at the sugar factory was the last job application Carlo ever filled out; from that point forward, opportunity came looking for him.

He went on to serve as manager of the Ririe Co-op in Ririe, Idaho, a position he held through 1997. During his time there, he obtained his applicator’s license and spent countless hours applying chemicals and fertilizer on farm ground throughout the surrounding areas. When the co-op closed, the Ririe School District’s Transportation Department wasted no time in reaching out, asking Carlo to oversee their bus department — yet another position that came to him by reputation alone. He continued to maintain his applicator’s license and, during the busy seasons when his schedule with the buses allowed it, he could often be found helping his good friends Barry Boyle and Sam Lusk apply chemical, fertilizer, and compost for local farmers.

Carlo had a great love for life’s simple pleasures — camping, family vacations, time spent with good friends and neighbors, the annual wagon train, square dancing, riding his four-wheeler, and the farming and ranching he was fortunate enough to continue right up until the time of his passing.

He was known as a tease, easy to get along with, and always eager to help others. If he ever borrowed something, you could count on it being returned in better condition than he found it — and always with a full tank of fuel.

Carlo is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen Marie Erickson; his daughter Sue Ellen MacFarlane of Riverside, Utah; his daughter Julie Brighton (Joel) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his son Steven Erickson (Tammy) of Rexburg, Idaho; and his daughter Carla Hjlem of Rexburg, Idaho. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.

He is further survived by his sisters Utona Garcia and Lanta Freeman, both of Ririe, Idaho, and his brother Nolan Erickson (Connie) of Archer, Idaho.

Carlo was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Mattie Erickson; his sister Sheila Barney; four brothers, Gary, Gaylen, Hal, and Dan; his son-in-law Rodney MacFarlane; and his great-grandson Nash.