Erika Rodriguez, 39

Erika LynnLee Rodriguez, 39, went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, December 11, 2012.

Erika was born May 28, 1973 in Pusan, South Korea and was adopted by Jeff and Mary Timm when she was 15 months old. Erika grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1991. She continued her education by graduating from Augsburg College and the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa. She most recently worked as a physician assistant at the V.A. Clinic in Alexandria.

Erika was a smart, athletic and friendly woman who achieved anything she set her mind to. She could light up a room with her infectious smile. She made the right choices in her life and made her family very proud of what she had accomplished. She will always be known to her father as “Daddy’s Little Girl.” Saturday mornings were spent with her mom, Kelsi and all the little boys at Caribou, visiting and carrying on.

Erika met Sam Rodriguez briefly in Alexandria in 1997. The two then crossed paths two years later. They were united in marriage on September 13, 2003 at Alexandria Covenant Church. Wonderful twin boys were born to this couple on October 20, 2009. This chapter in Erika’s book of life was her favorite. Sam and her boys meant the world to her and she loved spending all the extra time she had with them. Memories of Erika with her boys on the dock at the cabin, trips to sunny locations with Sam and family get-togethers will always be cherished.

She had a strong faith in the Lord and helped many others in finding their way through faith. Shortly before Erika’s diagnosis with leukemia, she and Sam had started a couples’ Bible study group and attended Alexandria Covenant Church and Living Word Christian Center in Minneapolis.

Erika was an amazing and passionate cook. She loved to entertain family and friends whenever she could. She was also a “Master” shopper and always had the latest fashions at the best prices for herself and her family.

She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by loving husband, Sam Rodriguez of Alexandria; 3-year-old twin sons, Benjamin and Jacob Rodriguez; parents, Jeff and Mary Timm of Alexandria; brother, Josh (Kelsi) Timm of Alexandria and their children, Logan and Shane; mother-in-law, Rosie Rodriguez of Minot, ND; father-in-law, Samuel Rodriguez Sr. of Alexandria; sister-in-law, Chris (Joel) Schmit of Minot, ND and their children, McKaya, Matlyn and Maycee; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service was held Saturday, December 15 at Alexandria Covenant Church with the Reverends John LaVahn and Margie McDaniel officiating. Interment was at Kinkead Cemetery of Alexandria. Casket bearers were Josh Timm, Pat Ellingson, Eric Gerken, Cory Hornbacher, Chad Hornbacher and Brent Vogel.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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