Richard Edwin "Erik" Erickson

Erickson, Richard "Erik" Edwin
Richard Edwin "Erik" Erickson went to be with the Lord on January 6, 2012. His death was sudden and unexpected. Erik was born May 18, 1938 in Duluth, MN to the late Walborg and Edwin Erickson. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1956 and received a BA degree with honors from UMD in 1960. Erik went on to earn his MS in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota in 1966. In 1965, Erik married Gail Gustafson at Concordia Lutheran Church in Duluth, MN, and they were blessed with three children. He worked at Abbott Laboratories in Libertyville, IL as an information scientist for 25 years. Erik enjoyed foreign languages and translated scientific articles into English. He sang tenor in church choirs and as a soloist for many years. Erik was an active member at American Lutheran Church, Sun City. For the past 8 years Erik and Gail have resided in Surprise. He loved travel, especially to see his family, and capturing those precious moments through photography. Erik is survived by his loving wife Gail, sons Peter and Thomas (Holly), daughter Kirsten (Timothy) Huinker, sister Jean (John) Chernega, sister-in-law Marilyn Asp and six grandchildren Ashley Huinker, Matthew Huinker, Kayla Erickson, Nicholas Huinker, Joshua Erickson and Zachary Erickson. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11am at American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85373. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the church.