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Russell (Russ) Eugene Erickson, age 82, a resident of Grantsburg passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 27, 2022, at Burnett Medical Center.
Russ was born on Oct. 24, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minn., to parents Ivan and Lois (Swanstrom) Erickson.
After graduating from high school Russ went to the Polk County Teachers College. He then went to Superior College for four years earning his master’s degree in Education. He taught at Cushing elementary school for two years and then in the Grantsburg School District for 38 years.
Russ served on the Grantsburg school board for 18 years and was very involved with everything that took place there. He was also on the board of directors for the Wood River Cemetery. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Church and served in many roles at the church.
Russ enjoyed sports. He was a diehard New York Yankees fan. Even though he lived in Packer Territory, he was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.  He also supported all activities involving the Grantsburg Pirates.  He pitched for many town and church softball teams for over 50 years. He started a community girls’ softball league in Grantsburg. He was a member of the Ridge Runner Club for many years. As much as he loved sports, spending time with his grandchildren brought him the most joy.
Russ had a passion for supporting the Grantsburg Schools, Community, Grace Baptist Church, and anyone connected with them. He loved sending cards to everyone he knew to encourage them on their birthday or anniversary. Many of us are going to miss receiving these cards along with the personalized notes that he included.  He obviously invested a lot of time in these and valued his relationships with the people he cared about.
Russ is preceded in death by his parents.
He will be greatly missed by his son, Bryan (Jennifer) Erickson; three grandchildren, Anna (John) Duren, Nathan Braaten, and Andrew Erickson; sister, Eileen Erickson; along with other family members and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. (visitation from 10-11 a.m.) at Grace Baptist Church in Grantsburg with Pastor Kevin Miller officiating. A lunch will be served immediately after the service followed by the burial at the Wood River Cemetery at 1 p.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.
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