A Funeral Service for Randy Erickson of Greenbush, MN will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Oiland Free Lutheran Church in rural Greenbush, MN. Visitation will be held at the church starting at 1:00PM on Saturday. Burial will take place at Oiland Cemetery.
Randy Lee Erickson passed away at home surrounded by his loving wife, family, and close friends on Sunday, March 31, 2024. He courageously fought three different types of cancer seven times over the past 20 years.
Randy was born on September 29, 1950 to Lester and Nellie (Helgeson) Erickson. He had one sister, Janice (Russ) and one brother, Leslie.
He attended Haug Leo school until the eighth grade, then graduated from Greenbush High School with the class of 1968.
Randy and Doris built a life they loved for the past 26 years. Doris always says “loving him is so easy”. Together they battled his cancer, making the best of each day. They enjoyed watching the wildlife in their yard, spoiling their kitties, camping, fishing, listening to live music, playing games, visiting with friends, family, and one another. They were beyond grateful for each other and the love they shared.
Randy raised three sons and one daughter. Doris raised one son and one daughter. They were blessed with 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Randy was an honest, hard-working, kindhearted, generous soul. He would help a friend, neighbor, or stranger without a second thought. He would never accept anything in return. He loved to be needed but he hated to ask for help.
Randy’s work ethic was characterized by an unparalleled drive and ambition, dedication to his cattle, his farm, providing for his family, and taking pride in his work. He loved sharing his extensive work ethic and knowledge with his kids and grandkids.
For a few years right out of high school, Randy excelled at snowmobile racing for Chrest Hamness. Arctic Cat even offered him a job racing; however, he turned it down to expand his passion for cattle.
Randy started his lifelong journey buying cattle when he was still in high school. He happily and successfully tended to his cattle even on his last day here with us. Randy loved what he did and always said, “I’ve never worked a day in my life”.
When the work was done, the hobbies began. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Most of all, he loved trapping with his best friends, Claire and Del. One can only imagine the endless memories that were created.
Randy and his boys spent countless hours measuring, remeasuring (and Randy remeasuring again) building their cabin and sharing unforgettable laughs. He was always excited for an invite for supper at the cabin where the food was delicious and plentiful, laughter roared, and good times were had by all. This cabin has been and will forever be filled with irreplaceable memories of Randy.
Randy beamed with pride when the grandkids harvested a nice deer on his land. He couldn’t help but smirk when Lauren, his only granddaughter that hunts, would end up getting the biggest buck of the season.
Randy fulfilled his life with faith in the good Lord. He never took a day for granted. He loved his family and friends to the fullest. His laugh was infectious and his smile filled all of our hearts. He was deeply loved by many and will be forever missed.
Randy is survived by his wife, Doris, his children Darick, Danny (Connie), Aaron (Meghan), Aimee (Steve), Hans, and Heidi (Mike); his 17 grandchildren, his 5 great-grandchildren, his sister Janice (Russ) Awbery; his sisters-in-law Luella Solberg and Betty (Dennis) Copeland; his brother-in-law Ronnie (Carol) Howell; as well as his wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Lester and Nellie; his brother Leslie; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Delbert and Arlene Howell; and grandson Chase.
Last modified: 04/05/2024
