Randal John Erickson

Randal "Randy" John Erickson passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Saturday, June 1, 2019. He was 57 years old. Randy was born on September 26, 1961, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to Gust and Eileen (Fricke) Erickson. He was the youngest of six children. The family crop farmed and raised dairy cattle in Fletcher, Minnesota, just outside of Rogers. Randy first attended school at St. Walburga School. The nuns must have seen something special in Randy as they had him skip Kindergarten and jump on into the First Grade. He later went on to Rogers Elementary, Handke Junior High, and Elk River Senior High School, graduating in 1979. Randy was a straight A student when it came to shop, mechanics, or agronomy classes. He was a member of the FFA - Future Farmers of America. While his fellow classmates dreamed of muscle cars, Randy wanted a new manure spreader! As a young boy many hours were spent milking cows, feeding calves and cleaning barn. He was quite independent and after learning how to wire electrical outlets, turned an old chicken barn into his clubhouse. As soon as the weather turned warm each year Randy moved out to the clubhouse for the summer. Randy was a devoted brother to his five siblings. When his oldest two brothers were off in the military there were many letters written and pictures drawn for them. He enjoyed camping adventures with his sister, canoe trips with Jerry and talking sports with Larry. Being the baby of the family he was the favorite uncle of his many nieces and nephews. Many weekends at the farm were spent taking his nieces for princess parade rides, haying with his nephews, helping fix a car, digging up the garden, or knocking out his mom's to do list. After high school Randy took over the dairying and farming operation. He continued into the mid-eighties when he decided to go on the Dairy Buyout Program and sold his herd. With that came a new career for him. He bought his first semi truck and became an owner operator truck driver. At the age of 35 a new opportunity presented itself in the form of a blind date. Randy met Leslie Mattson, a young 23 year old farm girl from Dassel. The two had their first date at the Wright County Fair in Howard Lake. They married on January 2, 1999. To their union they added daughters Lydia Saige, Greta Rose and Anika Heather. They first made their home in New Brighton, then Otsego and finally in Rogers, MN. He had a few other loves in his life, his German Shepherd Dog, Gunner, and cats, Ricki and Elliot. Randy enjoyed listening to talk radio and political tv shows, making sure to listen to all sides of an argument, forming his own opinions. He loved to educate on any topic he was knowledgeable about. Sometimes his daughters hesitated asking a question because it usually led to a lengthy lesson on the topic given in his "teacher voice". Randy was a creative guy who could fix anything. He did all of his own semi truck and auto maintenance as well as many home improvements. There was always a next project in the works if one looked like it was wrapping up. He loved serving others with his gifts. One special place that the Erickson family enjoyed sharing their talents with was Anoka Middle School for the Arts. Over the family's time involved with the theater program Randy participated in and led the construction of over twenty different sets for various stage productions. Ever a devoted dad to his three girls, he spent many hours helping with school projects, Girl Scout Powder Puff Derby Cars and his favorite, pedal tractor pulling. Pedal pulling was a favorite family past time for many summers as they would travel around to different fairs and festivals to try their luck. Randy even built the girls their own tractor and skid to practice with. The Otsego cul-de-sac became the training grounds on many summer evenings. Randy contracted with Cobra Transportation based out of South St. Paul, hauling import/export containers. He was their "in-town" guy. He started with Cobra in July of 1997, just two weeks before he and Leslie met, and remained there until his passing. Randy loved having Leslie and the girls go trucking with him, even converting the bunk in his truck to have an old car bench seat with seat belts. Everybody's carseat could then be strapped in. Many school vacation days for the girls were spent with dad in the truck. Leslie was his "Trucker Babe" and will always be a proud Cobra Wife. Randy was preceded in death by his parents Gustaf and Eileen (Fricke) Erickson, as well as other relatives and friends, his loyal dog Roscoe and cat Scout. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Leslie, daughters Lydia, Greta and Anika, all of Rogers; siblings Ernest (Elizabeth) of Brooklyn Center, Dwight (Jerilyn Ketter) of Rogers, Marguerite of Otsego, Gerald of St. Michael, Lawrence (Carla) of Plymouth; Uncles Andrew Savitski of St. Michael and Harlan Fricke of Brooklyn Center; Aunts Janet Fricke of Maple Grove and Anna Fricke of Stevenson Ranch, CA; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Randy was a quiet man when it came to his faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, choosing to live a life that was every bit a man of integrity and kindness. We have confidence that he now abides with his Lord, Jesus Christ. An interment service will take place at the Pioneer Cemetery in rural Dassel, Minnesota, at a later date.