Herbert Milton Erickson, 96 of Rochester, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at his home at ReaLife Cooperative. Herb was born August 6, 1927 to Herbert and Ann (Mittag) Erickson, in Brainerd, MN. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1945 and joined the Army Air Corps. While in the service, he married his high school sweetheart, Joan L. Albertson on March 21, 1946. Throughout their 60-year marriage they enjoyed time at their cabin, bridge with friends, and entertaining, especially with Herb playing the piano. They also became established Antique Dealers with an emphasis on glassware before Joan passed away on April 11, 2006.
Herb was a police officer for 7 years on the Brainerd Police Department. In 1960, he resigned from the police force and moved to Rochester to work for IBM. He retired in 1987 having worked in Manufacturing, Programming, and Management.
On May 12, 2007, Herb married Jerine Jones of Rochester. They enjoyed their time together doing all the things they loved: spending time with friends, volunteering, Kiwanis, theatre, fine dining, travel, concerts, square dancing, reading, and Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights. Herb said from the beginning they would pack 6 years of living into every year they would be allowed. We, friends and family, believe they did.
Herb was committed to community service and became very active in the Masonic Lodge. He served as Master of the Lodge in Rochester and Dodge Center. He belonged to the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and the Shrine. He founded the Osman Shrine Dragon Patrol and served as president for the first two years. It has become one of the most popular and sought after parade units in the Midwest. Herb was selected as the Shriner of the Year for 1982. He also served as the head of Commandery Chapter and Council of the York Rite. He was a member of Eastern Star and White Shrine of Jerusalem, serving as Watchmen of Shepards and as organist for both groups. He was a Mason in good standing for 65 years.
As a charter member of the Kiwanis Day Makers, he served as President and Lt. Governor for Region 7 of Minnesota-Dakota District and was awarded Distinguished Lt. Governor status for his term. He spent many hours volunteering in support of this organization.
Herb was inducted into the 2000 Rochester Bowling Hall of Fame for creating and directing the youth bowling program at Tropic Bowl in Rochester.
He was also a member of the Elks Lodge for 31 years, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and was on the Board of Directors for the Rochester Senior Center.
He is survived by 5 children with his first wife Joan: Herbert (Dorothy), Gregory and Mark, all from Rochester, Sandra Butz of St Cloud, Pamela Schmidt of Zumbro Falls; 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; and best friend and companion, Helen Kolb, who he shared the last years of his life with.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Joan, second wife Jerine, and brothers Clyde and Tyrone.
The Memorial Service for Herb will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home (1119 11 ½ Street SE Rochester, MN) officiated by Pastor Todd Spieker. A dinner will follow the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the chapel.
Private interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd, MN at a later date.
Memorials are preferred to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children or Rochester Covenant Church.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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