Robert E. Erickson

Robert Erickson, 90, Grand Forks, ND died Sunday January 23, 2022 at Duke University Hospital after a brief illness while living with family in Durham, NC. Robert was born July 7, 1931 in Newfolden, MN son of Axel and Elizabeth Erickson. Robert was raised in Grand Forks, ND and graduated from Central High School in 1948. Shortly after graduating from high school Robert was hired by Burlington Northern Railroad as a carman and was employed with them until he retired in 1987. Robert married Lorna (Miller) Erickson November 3, 1955 in Grand Forks where they made their home and raised their four children. Robert and Lorna were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. Robert was an avid fan of the UND “Sioux” especially hockey, both on TV and at the arena. He especially loved to argue about hockey with his brother Ray who was a Gopher fan! Robert also enjoyed college basketball. Robert attended business college in Grand Forks where he took classes in bookkeeping; it was a struggle working full-time, helping to raise four children and attending college and he was very proud of this accomplishment. During their 65 years of marriage Robert and Lorna loved to travel, both with their children and later in life just the two of them. They traveled to all 50 states and many foreign countries, their favorite places were Branson, MO. and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Their children fondly remember many family vacations and camping trips. Family was very important to Robert and he called and visited with his children often. He had a special place in his heart for his great-granddaughter Lyla and lit up every time he saw her. Robert also loved to spend time with his siblings and their spouses; Ray and Marie Erickson, Jim and Verna Erickson, and Janet and Bob Davis. Later in life their favorite thing to do was get together at casinos for the evening or weekend and have a great time visiting and gambling. Robert was heartbroken after losing the love of his life Lorna, January 24, 2021. The family is comforted in knowing Robert and Lorna are together again in Heaven with God. Survivors include children Mark (Sandra) Erickson, Durham, NC, David (Denise) Erickson, Grand Forks, ND, John (Sheri) Erickson, Bismarck, ND, and Debra Erickson, Dallas, TX. Grandchildren Robert Erickson, Mark Allen Erickson, Seth Sweeney, Shane Erickson, Nathan (Marinda) Erickson, Dr. Bethany (Zach Emineth) Erickson, Nicholas Erickson, and Brayden Erickson. Great-grandchildren Lyla and Jamison Emineth. Siblings Jim (Verna) Erickson and Janet Davis. Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Lorna; parents, Axel and Elizabeth Erickson; and his brother, Raymond Erickson. Visitation will be Friday, February 4, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Forks from 1:00 to 2:00 with a brief prayer service at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Forks.