Rodney Eugene Erickson

Age 91 of Roseville, Minnesota passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024. Rodney was born on May 31, 1932, in Kulm, North Dakota to Victor and Olga Erickson. Rodney was a graduate of Bethel College (University), was active at Central Baptist Church in St. Paul for over 60 years, and spent many years teaching Social Studies in Fridley, MN. Rodney is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, and his dear brother, Dennis. He is survived by his three children: Tammie (Dean) Junkans, Todd, and Timothy (Kristina); four grandchildren: Erin (Carson) King, Daniel (Brooke) Junkans, Katherine and Sarah Erickson, and four great grandchildren: Graydon, Cameron and Brennan King, and August Junkans. He is survived by his sister Elaine Mars, his brother Rodger (Diana) Erickson, and sister-in-law Barbara Erickson. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Many will remember Rod seated at the organ on Sunday mornings, where he served faithfully for over fifty years. Even as his memory declined due to dementia, he was able to play both piano and organ, his fingers knowing exactly what to do. While he loved varied musical styles, it was the old hymns that he was able to play or sing until the last weeks of his life. Throughout his life Rod blessed so many with his gift of music. Rod grew in in a pastor's home, living in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. After high school he attended and graduated from Bethel College, where he met his wife, Barbara. Before getting married and starting a career, Rod spent two years in the Army, serving in a small town in France, where he was able to play the organ in the village church when he wasn't working. When he came back to Minnesota he accepted the only job he ever interviewed for, that of Junior High teacher. Rod spent 37 years as a Junior High/Middle School teacher in the Fridley school district. He impacted hundreds of students, both in the classroom and as he chaperoned groups of eighth grade students on trips to Washington D.C. Rod was recognized in 1991 as Fridley Teacher of the Year. He was a lifelong learner. Even after his professional teaching days were over, he was always reading, writing to cousins and teaching his kids and grandkids new things. Rod loved being outdoors. He walked for miles every morning. He became known to extended family as "Ranger Rod" when he and Barb purchased a cabin on Pleasant Lake in northern Minnesota. Together they made the cabin a favorite place where extended family grew up together, friends from church gathered for weekends of fun, and where missionary families who may not be able to afford a vacation were welcome. "Ranger Rod" was usually found driving the pontoon boat, stoking the fire, or reading a book in the beauty of God's creation. Rod and Barb always made people feel welcome, whether at the cabin, home, or at church. Rod demonstrated hospitality in one-on-one conversations, where he could ask questions and learn about the other person, making each person feel significant. Rod loved his family. He poured into his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. He was so proud of his three kids for their accomplishments and bragged about them wherever he went. He attended all of his grandkids' performances, sporting events, and birthday parties. Even at the age of 90 he would get on the floor to play with his great-grandsons. Rod had over 100 first cousins and took great joy and pride in communicating with them regularly. He cared for people deeply and invested into their lives, demonstrating the love of Christ in his quiet, gentle way. Visitation Monday, May 6th from 4-7 PM at Washburn-McReavy Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Chapel; 515 Highway 96 West, Shoreview. Memorial service Tuesday, May 7th at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at Central Baptist Church; 420 N Roy St., St. Paul. Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Central Baptist Church or Wycliffe Bible Translators for the ministry of Scott and Paula Starker, account #300072. Livestream Available at: https://centralbaptistchurch.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=af5b747e2b064419b741bc4bd&id=872ea8601c&e=6c017c3247

Tributes

Rodney Eugene Erickson

May 31, 1932 - April 14, 2024

Tributes

Rodney Eugene Erickson

May 31, 1932 - April 14, 2024

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