Obituary of Steven John Erickson

Erickson, Steven J. Born October 13, 1946, and raised in Duluth; died peacefully at home in Inver Grove Heights on June 29, 2016. Lived a life of miracles. In 1966, at age 19, he received the gift of life from a kidney donor, and went on to become one of the world’s longest surviving transplant patients. He married his high school sweetheart, moved to the Twin Cities, and raised two daughters. He made friends wherever he went. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Eagan and a former police reservist in Robbinsdale. After years as a salesman, he started his own business, Northstar Imaging and Reprographics. In 2005, he received a heart transplant, followed by another kidney transplant in 2006. Steve served as a board member of the National Kidney Foundation and a volunteer for LifeSource. He knew that life was precious. He appreciated every moment and woke up every day full of profound gratitude. He loved classic cars, country music, and chocolate chip cookies. He was very modest about his three hole in ones. He was a real joker. He was a brave and gentle soul. Preceded in death by his parents Herman and Louise and sister Joanne. Survived by his wife of 47 years Patty, daughters Jodi (Glen) and Juli (Rob), granddaughter Frances, and twin sister Susie (Bob) Biastock. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m., Friday, July 15, with visitation one hour prior, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Dr, Eagan. Steve’s family would like to thank Dr. Randy Hurley, Stephanie Kroon, and the nurses and staff of Regions Cancer Center for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Regions Cancer Center, LifeSource, or the church.