Rodney Carl Erickson, 69, was born to Carl and Delores (Wuorenma) Erickson on May 9, 1953, almost 70 years ago.
He passed peacefully on April 15, 2023. He was one of eight children living on a farm between Frederic and Luck, and generally caused more trouble than he knew how to get out of most days. When he wasn’t picking rocks in the fields or milking cows, he attended Luck High School, where he graduated in 1971.
He was a machinist by trade, but a mechanic at heart. For many years, he turned wrenches at the Phillips 66 station in Siren, but eventually made his way back to machining for Parker Hannifin in Grantsburg. Rod retired from Parker in 2018 and spent the last years of his life as a snowbird, making a home in both Lewis, Wisconsin, and Bouse, Arizona.
Rod’s greatest blessings were those of his girls, Gretchen, Stacy and Emily. He loved them with his entire being, but would never teach them to change their own oil. That was his job. He loved his siblings, family and friends, as well. Rod never met a stranger, never missed a car show, was never short of jokes and had a story for every car he’s ever owned.
Rod is survived by his daughters, Gretchen Smith, Stacy (Kevin) Kamish and Emily Erickson; grandchildren, Nadia (Josh), Kristina (Jazzy), Makayla, Isaiah, Mollee and Colbee; great-grandson, Jaxon; brothers, Bob, Ron (Sharon) and Russ (Terri); and sister, Connie; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends who are like family.
He was preceded in death by his son, Bradley; his parents; brother, Ray; sisters, Colleen and Carla; brother-in-law, Jim; and father-in-law, Jack.
“When it’s my time to go, I’ll know that I have done everything God had intended for me here on Earth, and it will be OK.”
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444.
