Obituary of Richard Allen Erickson

Richard Allen (Rick) Erickson, 69, of Duluth, MN, was called home to heaven on April 17, 2025. Born on February 24, 1956, Rick lived a life embodied by his faith, humor, and love for nature. 

He was a lifelong welder who spent most of his career as a member of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union. He also dedicated his crafts to Builders Commonwealth, Fraser Shipyards, and Jamar. Even after retirement, Rick stayed active by plowing during the winters and was passionate about working on his home and his yard—places that meant the most to him and reflected his unique personality.

He was a member of the Hermantown Community Church, a place where he found strength, refuge, and healing. Rick came from a long lineage of believers and shared these beliefs with his children and grandchildren, ensuring their legacy would live on for generations to come. His allegiance was the cornerstone of his life. His spiritual connection was profound; he found solace among the trees, streams, lakes, and mountains and carried his conviction with him in every aspect of his life.

Rick’s passions extended even beyond his work and spirituality; he was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting, camping, four-wheeling, boating, gardening, golf-carting, auger riding, wood whittling, bird watching, and critter taming, just to name a few. Whether casting a line into a river or riding his Harley down a winding road, he embraced every opportunity to experience the beauty surrounding him. His adventurous spirit led him to take risks and embrace life to the fullest.

A devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, and steadfast friend to many; someone you could always count on. He will be held in memory for his friendships and his vibrant personality. When you were around Rick, you shared lots of laughs. His personality was as colorful as the natural settings he cherished. A kindred spirit that was so very special and rare. He was someone who was there to lend an ear and offer a helping hand. Rick’s table was always full, but there was always room for one more.

Despite facing his own hardships, Rick always held on to his relationship with the Lord. His faith never wavered. Rick leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and an example of the power to overcome. His story is one of survival, which will long be remembered, providing hope and revelation.

But eventually, stories become all that’s left. There’s a big difference between being alive and living. Rick knew how he wanted his story to be written. He didn’t want to be remembered as the guy who always followed the rules, the hero who sought out comfort, who never missed a day of work, who hid behind his fear of failure and never took a chance, unremarkable and easily forgotten. Rick was one whose legacy exceeds his physical presence, a life of war with unwavering determination, who saw the world, who forged his own destiny, who had tons of friends who will pass down stories so crazy they almost sound biblical. Stories of a man who failed and stood back up. Who stared evil in the eyes and emerged victorious. A hero who left echoes of laughter and inspiration. A story about a legend who died living. 

Rick leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: uncle and aunt, Robert and Marge Erickson; brothers, Rodney (Julie) Erickson, Raymond Erickson, and Robert Erickson; brother-in-law, Ed Rudawski; sister, Tonja Kuehn; daughters, Tara (Eric) Yamry and Tobi Benson; grandsons, Jace Kopp and Blake Yamry; many nieces, nephews, and friends who became family to Rick. 

He is reunited in spirit with those who passed before him: father, Harold Erickson; mother, Arlene (Williams) Erickson; brothers, Roger and Randy Erickson; sister, Sharon Rudawski; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and his beloved dog and best friend, Tallie.

A gathering to celebrate Rick’s life will be held on May 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Chambers Grove Park, located at 13404 State Highway 23 in Duluth, Minnesota, where family, friends, and all who knew him can share memories of a man who was truly one of a kind.