Roland "Rod" Russell Erickson

Roland “Rod” Russell Erickson, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025.

Born on March 18, 1934, at Hill Crest Surgical Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Roland was the son of Russell and Lucile Erickson. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Minneapolis Washburn High School, Class of 1951. He continued his education at Macalester College, graduating in 1955, where he was a letter-winning member of the wrestling team and active in the school’s drama department. Roland went on to study at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture and became a proud member of Alpha Rho Chi, a national co-ed fraternity for architecture and the allied arts.

On September 12, 1959, Roland married the love of his life, Pauline (“Polly”) Erickson, with whom he shared decades of devotion, joy, and partnership until her passing.

Roland dedicated 35 years of his professional life as an architect for the General Mills Corporate Engineering Department at the James Ford Technical Center. Never one to remain idle, he embraced a second career at Bachman’s Floral and Garden Center, where he worked for nearly 30 additional years. In the 1970s, he further expanded his talents by serving as a part-time sports writing editor for the KMSP Sports Department.

A committed supporter of youth athletics, Roland volunteered for many years with the St. Louis Park High School sports program. He served on the high school football “Chain Gang” team, worked as the hockey scoreboard operator, coached youth football and baseball, and contributed as a St. Louis Park Youth Hockey Board member. His tireless dedication earned him the Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Athletic Directors Association, recognizing his 25 years of service, commitment, and positive influence on the youth of St. Louis Park.

Roland’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Global Pointe Senior Living, Grace Hospice, and to Roland’s special friend, Steve Wasgatt, for their dedicated care and companionship.

Roland is survived by his sons:

• Rolf (Soroya) Erickson, and granddaughters Paige and Shelby (Alec)

• Karl (Lynn) Erickson, granddaughters Dana (Brandon) and Sarah (Josh) and their sons Stellan and Joel, and grandsons Chas (Emma) and Will

He is also survived by his brother, Ken Erickson; sister-in-law, Gail Nystrom; and nephews Eric, Mark, Kyle, and Kurt.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline (Polly) Erickson; his brother-in-law, Jim Nystrom; and his nephew, Jon Nystrom.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel (3600 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., MN) beginning at 10:00 AM.

A Reception / Gathering will follow at the Lakewood Cemetery Garden Mausoleum (3600 Hennepin Ave., Mpls., MN) from 10:30–11:30 AM.

All are welcome to attend and remember together.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Hospice, 1015 4th Ave. North, Suite 206, Minneapolis, MN 55405, in Roland’s name.

Roland will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, generosity of spirit, and unwavering commitment to family, community, and service. His presence enriched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.