Luther Erickson passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at the Mayflower Community in Grinnell, aged 90. He was born and raised on a dairy farm in rural Pulaski, WI. Luther graduated from Pulaski High School in 1951 as class valedictorian. He then earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry at St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, in 1955 and a doctorate in physical chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1959.

Luther married Jenny Payne in 1957 and together they raised two children, Louise and Hans. Luther and Jenny moved to Grinnell, IA in 1962 after teaching chemistry for three years at Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA. Luther went on to serve Grinnell College as a Professor of Chemistry for the next 41 years. He transitioned to senior faculty status in 1998 and was named Professor Emeritus in 2003.

During his career, Luther maintained an active research program in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the coordination chemistry of platinum group metals, kinetics and mechanisms of solution reactions, molecular mechanics, and molecular modeling. Luther's research work was reported in more than 30 publications, most often with Grinnell undergraduate co-authors.

Luther was widely respected by his colleagues and fellow faculty members, and within the academic chemistry profession. Notable among the many honors and distinctions he earned were a national Catalyst Award for teaching excellence from the Chemical Manufacturer's Association, and recognition as a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Scholar. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also was an active member of the Iowa Academy of Sciences, where his service included membership on the Board of Directors and a term as president. He also served multiple terms as Chair of the Chemistry Department and of the Science Division, and one term as Chair of the Faculty at Grinnell College.

In the lab and classroom, Luther was an outstanding motivational teacher and mentor and a kindhearted friend to his students. Jenny and Luther were known for opening their home to any student in need of a little encouragement or a homemade meal. They regularly hosted large gatherings of students, faculty, and friends. Their devotion to Grinnell College and the community was inspiring. Luther was also a longtime member of the Fortnightly group in Grinnell and the UCC Church.

In 1973, Jenny and Luther purchased "26 acres more or less" seven miles from Grinnell and had a pond dug, built a log cabin and enjoyed decades of swimming, skiing, hiking, planting, harvesting and enjoying the outdoors at their little piece of heaven. Many Grinnell residents, friends and family members have caught a fish, cut a Christmas tree or picked some apples at "The Farm." And. of course, growing up near Green Bay, Luther was a loyal Packers fan, and closely followed Grinnell College athletics and his children and grandchildren's activities. Luther and Jenny were also avid golfers playing all over the state and country.

Luther is survived by Jenny, his wife of 66 years; daughter, Louise Mistry; son-in-law, Bomi Mistry (Grinnell College '84); son, Hans Erickson; grandchildren, Cyrus Mistry (GC '11); Eric (Jennifer) Mistry (GC '14); Ole Erickson; Hana Erickson; and great-grandchildren Grace and Theodore Mistry; brother, Homer (Carolyn) Erickson, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Luella Erickson; stepmother, Agatha Erickson; brothers, Clarence and Leonard; and daughter-in law, Erika Erickson.

The family suggests memorial remembrances can be sent to the "Grinnell College Luther and Jenny Erickson Endowed Professorship of Chemistry" (online at https://alumni.grinnell.edu/give, select "Other" in the "Fund to Support" dropdown menu and enter the fund name). Or call 866-850-1846 or email alumni@grinnell.edu to inquire about a memorial gift.  Memories and condolences may be shared with Luther's family on the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory website at www.smithfh.com.

Per his request, there will be a private family burial with immediate family members attending. Information about any public celebration of life arrangements will be shared when those become available. As many have noted, Luther was a man of true integrity. He was kind, devoted to his family and community, open-minded, funny, loved the outdoors and being active, and was just a wonderful person to be around. He will always be in our hearts.