Robert E. Erickson

Robert E. Erickson, age 76, of Rochester, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 26, 2018, surrounded by family at the Mayo Clinic Hospital - St. Mary's Campus in Rochester. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 1, 2018, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with Pastor Karna Hagen Moskalik officiating. The visitation will be from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes also one hour prior to the service at the church. The burial will be in Oakwood East Cemetery in Rochester. Robert Elliott Erickson was born on June 17, 1942, in Rushford, to Einer and Lillie (Gudmundson) Erickson. He graduated from Rushford High School in 1960. On October 26, 1963, was united in marriage to Joan Kasten in Winona. The couple lived in Minneapolis while Robert attended Dunwoody Institute. He served in the United States Army reserves from 1967-1971 and was honorably discharged. They moved to Rochester and Robert worked for IBM until he retired in 2002. He was active in the Masonic Lodge and the American Legion in Rushford and was involved in the Color Guard. He enjoyed farming in the Rushford area, hunting, fishing, gardening and socializing with people. He will be remembered for his storytelling and his ability to make people laugh. He is survived by his wife, Joan of Rochester; children, Kris Schmitz of Rochester, Karla Fagerland of Watertown, WI and Brian (Jenny) Erickson of Rochester; ten grandchildren; and sister, Lynda (Ronald) Pancratz of Peoria, AZ. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul and grandson, Shane.