Roger L. Erickson

Roger was born at Fort Riley, Kansas, on April 27, 1953, while his father was stationed at the Army base. He later grew up on a farm near Wausa, Nebraska, where he was eventually joined by four sisters: Lida, Nancy, Mary, and Lorna.

He graduated from Wausa High School in 1971 and attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he majored in animal science, building on years of farming experience with his dad and participation in 4-H. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in May 1975.

While Christmas caroling with his dorm mates in December 1971, Roger met Kathy Sandersfeld of Beatrice, Nebraska. They were married on June 8, 1974. Roger and Kathy farmed for nine years near Plainview, Nebraska, where they welcomed Jen and Scott into their family.

In 1983, Roger accepted a position as feed department manager at the Wilbur Cooperative, and the family moved to DeWitt, Nebraska. They later welcomed Holly, completing their family.

In later years, Roger joined Farm Bureau Insurance, working closely with farmers around the Beatrice area. He eventually became an independent insurance agent, a role he deeply enjoyed as it allowed him to help customers find the best plans for their families and livelihoods. This work ultimately brought Roger and Kathy to Lincoln, where they moved in October 2010.

They joined Southwood Lutheran Church after arriving in Lincoln, where both served as Stephen Ministers and members of the care team. Roger also volunteered his sound and video talents, developed during years of service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice.

Due to the COVID pandemic and the need to protect his health, Roger was forced to retire from his life of service.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children Jen (Joel) Strating of Fort Collins, Colorado, Scott Erickson of Lincoln, and Holly (Shane) Johnson of Lincoln; grandchildren Hope Erickson, and Carter and Aria Johnson; sisters Lida Sieh of Omaha, Nancy (Will) Harpster of Ewing, Nebraska, Mary (Jon) Miller of Lincoln, and Lorna (Steve) Holmes of Loveland, Colorado; aunts Valerie Erickson and Polly Webster; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Bonnie Erickson; grandparents Walter and Emma Erickson and William and Gladys Webster; brother-in-law Barry Sieh and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Friday, February 13th, at 10:30 a.m. at Southwood Lutheran Church. Inurnment will follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, with a luncheon immediately afterward.

A memorial has been established with the family for future donations to Parkinson’s research.