Rollin Erickson, 83

Rollin N. Erickson, 83, Austin, Minnesota, formerly of Carlos, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at Prairie Manor in Blooming Prairie.

Rollin was born March 30, 1925 in Barnum to Emmett and Mary (Monfeldt) Erickson. When Rollin was 5 months old the family moved to Alexandria where he lived until enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1946.

In 1948, Rollin was hired as a Greyhound Bus driver and worked as a driver until he was re-called to serve in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Rollin married Gladys Pederson of Osakis on May 3, 1952. To this union three children were born: Dave, Jim and Mary. Rollin returned to driving bus for Greyhound until he started with the Minnesota State Highway Patrol in 1957 and retired 25 years later in 1982 from the 2900 Station in Detroit Lakes.

In addition to his career in law enforcement, Rollin also was the safety director for Spring Lake Park and Kottke School bus companies. Rollin enjoyed camping with his wife and children for many years and later joined the Good Sam Camping Club and was their Wagon Master for 13 years.

Retirement didn’t slow him down. At age 58, he started taking Shotokon karate lessons in Alexandria and at Central Minnesota Karate in St. Cloud. Rollin achieved the rank of third degree black belt at the age of 77.

Rollin took great pride in his country and served as the commander for two terms from 1989 to 1990 at VFW Post 7902 in Osakis and two terms from 2005 to 2007 at VFW Post 936 in Alexandria.

The Ericksons loved to travel and lived in many places in the state of Minnesota and finally ended in Austin. While living in Carlos, Rollin served as trustee for Trinity Lutheran Church. He wore many hats and belonged to numerous organizations. Whatever Rollin was committed to at the time, he took on with great tenacity and dedication. He enjoyed getting together with family, friends and neighbors to share stories and tell jokes, while sipping a brandy or two. However, throughout the years, Rollin had one obsession – garage sales.

He will be remembered by his loved ones as loyal, compassionate and quick with a joke. He is greatly admired for his commitment to his work, country and family.

Rollin is survived his wife, Gladys, of Austin; sons, David (Irene) of Hewitt and James of Lyle; daughter, Mary, of Austin; grandchildren, David Jr., Brian, Jesse, Lee and Maya; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Beatrice Hoover and Doloris (Walter) Dittberner.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Jennifer; sisters, Leona, Lillian, Vivian, Bernice and Arlene; and brothers, Harlan and Norman.

Funeral Service were held Wednesday, January 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carlos. Burial was at Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Pallbearers were Dick Thom, Wes Hoyhtya, Jeff Gunderson, Doug Huhyer, Daryl Tvrdik and Dan Kakac. Honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, VFW, Greyhound Bus Company, and Minnesota State Patrol.

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

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