Richard D. Erickson

Richard Darel Erickson was born on May 1, 1939 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota to Hans and Ina (Johnson) Erickson. He attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse in Baker, Minnesota. Richard then moved on to Barnesville High School where he played football for the Trojans and graduated in 1957. Soon after graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany, serving until 1960.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he returned home to Baker. He met the love of his life, Theresa Koenig, at Skaars Drive-In. Richard and Theresa were united in marriage on January 12, 1963 at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville and built their life together in Moorhead. Throughout his lifetime, Richard worked many jobs before starting his trucking career with E.E. Hurner. He switched companies and drove for Westway Trading so he could spend more time at home with his family. At the age of sixty-one he retired from Westway. In retirement he found his dream job working for The Big Lot in Moorhead as a courtesy driver. Richard was a very hard worker with a strong work ethic and developed many lasting relationships with his coworkers.

Richard had a deep love and strong faith in God. He valued the people in his life, none greater than his family. Born the eighth child of fifteen, he grew up understanding the importance of family and had a complete unconditional love of his wife, children and their spouses, and his grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his wife, Theresa; his children, Bro Nicholas Erickson O.S.B., Brian (Carmen) Erickson, Karla (Jeff) St. John, Jim (Nichi) Erickson, and Rob (Judy) Erickson; 15 grandchildren, Nickolas, Josh, Adria, Kelsey, Lily, Jordan, Major, Melquan, Sophia, Madison, Cassidy, Stella, Celeste, Sam and Elise; his siblings, Alice Thompson, Jennette Beard, Phyllis (Robert) Meissner, Arlene Thornton, Rodney (Marti) Erickson, Terry (Carol) Erickson, Bernard (Sharon) Erickson, Mickal (Sheila) Erickson, Ina (Gene) Olson, Sandy Bekkerus, Ellen (Glenn) Coleman, and Landis (Barb) Erickson; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Carl and Theresa Koenig; and his brothers, Lyle and Leonard Erickson.