Roger L. Erickson

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ROGER LEONARD ERICKSON was born on May 9, 1933 to Albin and Florence (Ford) Erickson at the family’s home in Hardwick, Minnesota. He was there and attended grade school in Hardwick. As a kid he helped on the farm and had a milk delivery route. He attended and later graduated from Luverne High School in Luverne, Minnesota in 1951. He furthered his schooling at Worthington Community College and in August 1953 was drafted into the United States Army. During his service, Roger achieved the rank of Corporal. In May 1955, he was honorably discharged and returned home to help in the family farming operation. Before his time spent serving his country, Roger enjoyed going to Garretson, South Dakota to roller-skate with his friends. While spending time at the roller-rink, he met Marlene Nussbaum. Upon his return home from the service the couple began dating. On September 8, 1956 the couple was married at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. They first made their home and began farming near Jasper, Minnesota. They began their career first with crop farming and dairy cattle. In 1968 they purchased a farm north of Beaver Creek and moved their farming operation. In 1969 they moved a building onto the farm and had the largest dairy barn in Rock County, caring for up to 80 cows. Their operation was one of the first in the area to have an automated parlor. The operation later grew to include raising livestock, hogs and additional animals. Roger was proud to use his Case, or “red”, equipment to plant and harvest his crops. While raising their kids on the farm, Roger always found a way to get them involved with chores and teach them the value of hard work, honesty, integrity and appreciate the things they worked hard to get and the relationships they made along life. They often found fun in four-wheeling, chasing each other around the yard on scooters, snowmobiling, hayrides, and creating mazes for the various rides. Roger was a farmer who could figure out most projects in his head and had the talent to bring them to reality. He was an impressive welder and could fabricate with the best. During his later years, he and Marlene enjoyed wintering to Arizona. During their trips, Roger enjoyed golfing, riding bicycles, shuffleboard, walks, woodworking, square-dancing and attending the opry.

On Monday, January 4, 2021, while at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Roger went to be with his Lord at the age of 87 years, seven months and 25 days.

Roger was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church where he attended Men’s Bible study, served as a Deacon and taught Sunday school and catechism class. He was a 4-H leader and enjoyed being an active person with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s lives. His spirit will continue to be held close to those his life has touched.

Roger is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marlene; children, LoRee Erickson Pothast of Renner, South Dakota, Darla (Larry) Erickson of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Tim (Lisa) Erickson of Luverne; five grandchildren, Seth White, Darren (Melissa) Fransen, Brent (Heather) Fransen, Ethan Erickson, and Scott Erickson; seven great-grandchildren, Alexis White, Caiden Fransen, Addison Fransen, Cora Fransen, Asher Fransen, Eli Fransen, and Tripp Erickson; and siblings, Lorna Lorenzen of Loveland, Colorado and Chloe (Art) Bloemendaal also of Loveland; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fred and Judy Vandersnick of Renner and Dick and Marjorie Nussbaum of Brandon, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albin and Florence Erickson; sister, Beverly Woodley; brothers-in-law, Ed Woodley and Verdell Lorenzen; and nephew, Darrell Lorenzen.

Due to the concern for public health, a private family service was held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne.