Russel Winton Erickson

Russel was the son of Andy and Oline (Christianson) Erickson, and was born on September 21, 1934, in Badger, Minnesota, on the family dairy farm. He was the second oldest of 10 children.

Russel graduated from Badger High School in 1952. In 1955 he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in England as an Air Traffic Controller. When Russ returned from the Air Force he and Geraldine (Gerry) Miller were married in 1960 and settled in St. Paul, Minnesota. There Russ earned his B.S. in Dairy Agricultural Economics (1964) and an M.S. in Dairy Biometrics (1968). The family then moved to East Lansing, Michigan, where Russ earned his Ph.D. in Dairy Management Statistics (1972). Russ joined the faculty at MSU and became a full Professor in the Animal Science Department in 1985. Simultaneously he managed the MSU Dairy Research and Teaching Center from 1972-1985.

As a professor at MSU, Russ’ true passion was teaching and providing experiential learning opportunities for students. Outside of his teaching duties, he advised the MSU Dairy Club and Judging Teams for many years. He also led many study abroad trips where students toured farms and had multi-cultural experiences mainly in South Africa. He also had a strong hand in revitalizing the MSU Draft Horse Program. He enjoyed working with both the Dairy Industry and Draft Horse community. His exemplary service to teaching received many accolades including being named an associate of the Danforth Foundation, MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Distinguished Faculty Award and Outstanding Alumni Service Award, and a MSU Block and Bridle Honoree.

Interested in international agriculture activities, Russ traveled to many countries in support of improving agriculture practices. He served on a USAID project in Zimbabwe, where he was Chief of Party for the University of Zimbabwe faculty expansion program from 1986 to 1988. The family made numerous lifelong friends and had immeasurable experiences in Africa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an endowed fund known as the Dr. Russel Erickson Michigan Dairy Scholarship Fund or the MSU Draft Horse Endowment Fund that Russ established in 2000.

After retiring from MSU, Russ and Gerry traveled the world. In all, seven continents and more than 50 countries were visited.

Volunteerism was part of the fabric of Russ’ life. He was active in dozens of organizations throughout often serving in leadership roles, including Kiwanis, Okemos School Board and Athletic Boosters, University Lutheran Church, and the Lansing Area Agriculture & Natural Resources Club.

Family was always important to Russ, and he treasured their time together. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Gerry; children Lori (Matt) Kostrzewski, Jeff (Beth Gagnier) Erickson, and Stacy (Jeremy) Whiddon; grandchildren Dr. Eric Spencer (Zach Fichtenbaum), Jack Erickson, Jenna Erickson, and Graham Whiddon. Step grandchildren Emily (Cale) Sauter, Abigal Kostrzewski, and Max (Emma) and Olivia Daust; brothers Clark (Harriet) Erickson, Gary (Joan) Erickson, and Kent (Karla) Erickson; sisters Linda (Dale) Monsrud, Lola (Roger) Solheim, and Mona (Michael) Connoy; brothers-in-law Curtis Pietz, Ken Magnuson, and sisters-in-law Helen Erickson and Carol Johnson; along with many other relatives and friends.

Russel was preceded in death by his parents Andy and Oline; sisters Lois Magnuson and Shirley Pietz, brother Sheldon Erickson, and brother-in-law Earl Johnson; and grandson Jonathon Kostrzewski.

Blessed be the memory of Russel Winton Erickson.

Please join us in a Celebration of Life to share food and fellowship in honoring the life of Russel W. Erickson.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

The University Club of Michigan State University

3435 Forest Rd, Lansing, MI 48910.

Memories will be shared starting at 1:30pm.