Robert G. Erickson

Robert Erickson 84, formerly of Breckenridge, MN, died Wednesday, September 23, 2015, at the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN.

Robert Gordon Erickson was born on February 27, 1931, in Rollag, MN, to Roy H. and Allie (Fjaer) Erickson. Robert attended grade school in Rollag, graduated from Hawley High School in 1949, and served in the United States Air Force from 1951 – 1955. Robert served in the Air Force during the Korean War, with his twin brother, Roy, in Goose Bay, Labrador and Castle Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. When he returned home, he attended Moorhead State University, earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in 1957.

Robert and Lila Heldt were married on June 9, 1956, in Glyndon, MN. Robert taught chemistry and physics in Herman and Breckenridge, MN from 1958 through his retirement in 1990. Additionally, Robert worked for the Northwestern Crop Hail Insurance Company, as a claims adjuster. He also enjoyed being a rural mail carrier for several years after retirement. Robert was a member of The Gideons International, Valley Christian Church and the Minnesota Education Association. Robert also taught Bible School at the Minnesota Boys Home for Troubled Youth.

In Dad’s family life, he enjoyed his hobby farm including raising livestock, gardening and many construction projects with his children.

Dad’s first priority was bringing up his children to know Jesus Christ and love the Lord. We as his children saw Dad as a man who led by example and always put family first. He also made time for his friends in need. Dad was a rock solid man of integrity and honor.

To his kids he was a wonderful role model and to the grandkids he was always fun loving and joking “Grandpa Gum”.

In the end, our family’s greatest joy is knowing that he’s with his Blessed Lord and Savior.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Allie Erickson.

Robert is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Lila Erickson of Fergus Falls; his children, Greg (Nancy) Erickson of Breckenridge, Steve (Angela) Erickson of Fergus Falls, Brian (Megan) Erickson of Rosemount, Beth (Jeff) Young of Norcross, David (Angela) Erickson of Fergus Falls and Mark (Sarah) Erickson of New Brighton; nineteen grandchildren, Dan Erickson, Michael Erickson, Sarah Erickson, Amanda Erickson, Jason Erickson, Josh Erickson, Angie Erickson, Martha Erickson, Corey Sorenson, Adam Sorenson, Ashley Halverson, Kelsey Sorenson, Logan Young, Nathaniel Erickson, Jenna Erickson, Tyler Erickson, Nicholas Erickson, Matthew Erickson and Brianna Erickson; seven great-grandchildren, Shelby, Jade, Blake, Penny, Ethan, Gabe and Hudson; and Robert’s siblings; Audrey Lunder of Hawley, Grace Lammers of Moorhead, twin brother Roy (Betty) Erickson of Woodbury, and Wayne (Phyllis) Erickson of Pelican Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, MN.

Visitation: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2015, at the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Service: 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post #612 and American Legion Post #30