Rolf Erickson, age 91 resident of Lakota, ND, formerly of Michigan, ND, died Monday June 21, 2010 at the Nelson County Health System Hospital in McVille, ND.

Rolf was born January 31, 1919 in Arnegard, ND, the son of Marie and Reuben Erickson. He grew up in Michigan, ND and was a farmer all of his life. Rolf married Esther Leikas in 1940 and would have celebrated their 70th anniversary on September 28th of this year. They shared their life and raised 3 children on a farm east of Michigan, ND. He was a life member of Michigan Lutheran Church, active on church council and the elevator board. In retirement Rolf and Esther enjoyed winters in Arizona where he made numerous new friends, played golf, volleyball, and was proud that he won the Arizona Senior Olympics Championship in shuffleboard pairs. Rolf also loved fishing with his buddy, Joe Senger. Rolf and Esther traveled in their RV to Alaska and many parts of the United States. Their participation in the Petersburg Curling Club led to Bonspieling events in the Midwest, Canada, and Sweden where they traveled to Jämsä and Helsinki, Finland and Göteborg, Sweden to visit relatives. Rolf was a gentle, kind spirit; he loved his family and his community; and was a steward of the land. He is loved and will be missed by many. A special thank you to the staff of NCHS and the Good Samaritan Home for their special loving care.

Rolf is survived by his wife, Esther of Lakota; children, Linda Erickson of LaCrosse, WI, Carmen (Linda) Erickson of Minot, ND, and Jan Erickson of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Kari (Tom) Dommer of Perrysburg, OH, Kirste (Pat) Bond of St. Petersburg, FL, Katie (Seth) Greicar of Eden Prairie, MN, Christopher Erickson of Renton, WA; great grandchildren, Erickson and Nathaniel Dommer, Patrick Bond, and Sarah Greicar; two sisters-in-law, Ann Erickson of Grand Forks, ND and Hattie Erickson of Oakes, ND; and several nieces and nephews.

Rolf was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Philip and Floyd.

Rolf's Funeral Service will be held at the Michigan Lutheran Church, Michigan, ND, on Friday, June 25, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey. Music will be provided by Jason Flom. Interment will be in the Michigan Cemetery. The casketbearers will be Lee Erickson, Judy (Erickson) Loepp, Susan (Leikas) Bacholke, Leonard Leikas, Vern Leikas, Gloria (Leikas) Taffee, and Keith Leikas. Honorary casketbearers will include Rolf's grandchildren and friends. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, ND, on Thursday, June 24, 2010 beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials are preferred to the Michigan Ambulance or the Lakota Ambulance.