RALPH ERICKSON 

1944-2025 

Ralph Duane Erickson, 81, of Gorin passed away Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Knox County Nursing Home in Edina. 

He was born the son of Everett E. and Vivian Lorena (Scifres) Erickson on January 30, 1944 at the family farm in Gorin. Years later, Ralph paid $175 at the sale to purchase the bed that not only he, but his brothers as well, were born on. 

Ralph graduated from Gorin High School in 1961 and attended trade school in Nebraska. 

He married the former Betty Morrison on September 4, 1990 in Edina. She survives. 

Together, they shared many years raising and caring for cattle on their farm near Gorin. Ralph was a very talented mechanic and well-known cattleman throughout the area. He was very fond of his land and especially his Black Angus Cattle. 

While Ralph devoted his life to being a cattleman and farmer, he also ran a garage and he worked as a contractor for the Sante Fe railroad company for several years. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Johnny and Oren; and daughter-in-law, Susan Erickson. 

He is survived by his wife Betty of the home; children, Tammy Weidenbenner of Memphis and son Alan Erickson of Indiana; granddaughters: Monica Weidenbenner of Kansas City, Lauren Erickson of Lafayette, IN, and Alisan (Jordan) Gerber of Kentucky; a dear friend, Bruce Parsons of Arbela; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Funeral services were held February 25 at the Gerth Funeral Chapel in Memphis with Jack Sumption, pastor of the Memphis Christian Church, officiating. Loren Zeiset, Delbert Hoover, Bruce Parsons and Andy Higgins served as pallbearers. Burial was in the Gorin Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to the Gorin Cemetery and be may left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main St., Memphis, MO 63555 

Online condolences may be sent to the Erickson family by signing the guestbook at gerthfuneralservice. com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerth Funeral Service.