Roger Melvin Erickson

Obituary

Roger Melvin Nicholas Erickson was born on September 20, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Melvin and Cyrilla (Neuerburg) Erickson of Wadena, Minnesota.  Rog grew up in the Wadena area, attending St. Ann's Parochial School and Wadena Public School.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena.  At age 18, Rog enlisted in the Navy and was later discharged due to a health condition.  Throughout his adult life, he was employed in sales, whether it was appliances, clothing, furniture, hardware, cabinets or carpet.  In 1978, he started his own carpet laying business which he appropriately named “Smiley's Carpet Service.”  He continued his carpet laying business until he had a stroke in 2012, while residing in Yuma, Arizona, partially paralyzing him and requiring him to reside at the Glencoe Regional Health Services Long Term Care, where he received exceptional care.  Rog will be remembered for his smile; infectious laugh, fun loving personality and passion for helping others.  He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, deer hunting and all sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings.

Roger is survived by his six children:
Lisa (Michael) Van Hofwegen of Chaska, Minnesota;
Julie (Jim) Montbriand of Lakeville Minnesota;
Dana (Matt) Schow of Litchfield Minnesota;
Shannon (Doyle) Slagter of Willmar Minnesota;
Nick Erickson (Shelbey Kummers) of New London Minnesota;
and Angela (Jason) Reese of Chesterfield, Virginia;
14 Grandchildren:  Sydney and Madison (Lisa); Chris, Robbie, Ben and Kate (Julie); Taylor, Devan, Noah and Isaiah (Dana); Allison and Elijah (Shannon); Makenzie and Rayah(Nick);
one great-grandson, Thomas (Dana). 
He is also survived by siblings Janet Erickson, Louise Lang, Ken Erickson, Leon Traeger, Dennis Traeger; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mel and Sal Erickson as well as a sister, several aunts, uncles and cousins.