Duane O. Erickson

Duane Otto Erickson, 91, Fargo, ND, died on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Pioneer House, surrounded by his loving family.
Duane was born on March 26, 1930, to Knute Olaf Erickson and Hennie (Hawkinson) Erickson. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1948 and served in the Army from 1951 until 1953 as a tank driver in the Armored Division and Infantry stationed in Germany. He married Joan A. (Oberg) Erickson on March 19, 1954. They purchased the family farm where they lived and raised their children Mary, John and Chuck.

Duane earned all of his degrees at North Dakota State University. His Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (1957), Master of Science in Nutrition, Chemistry and Bio-Chemistry (1960) and his Ph.D. in Animal & Range Science, Bio-Chemistry and Physiology (1965).

His entire career was at North Dakota State University (NDSU) starting as a Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant (1957-1958), Assistant Professor (1965), Associate Professor (1967), Professor (1976) and lastly as Professor Emeritus.
His love of research resulted in nearly 200 journal articles, abstracts and papers printed and published. His research programs led to travel in many states including Alaska, as well as Canada, St. Croix and Thailand. In 1991 Duane spent 2 months in Thailand where he served as a research consultant and lecturer. His research programs attracted many graduate students from several states and countries. His connections with many of those former students have lasted a lifetime.
He was a member of numerous professional organizations and served in leadership roles as director and chairman of American Society of Animal Science, North Dakota Academy of Science, NDSU Senate, American Association for Advancement of Science, Nutrition Today Society, Sigma Xi and Phi Kappa Phi. He was research leader of several international, national, state, regional and university projects. Duane provided leadership in many student organization including Mortar Board, Alpha Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi, and Saddle & Sirloin. He received numerous teaching and research awards during his tenure at NDSU.
Duane was active in North Buffalo Lutheran Church, Vikingland Kiwanis, Moorhead Athletic Association and 4-H.

Family was the most important part of his life. He led his family by example and participated in, watched, or supported his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren wherever their interests lay.
Time spent with family at Upper Cormorant Lake was precious to him. He loved all sports and would prefer to play himself, and did into his mid-80s, but he would settle for watching. He also enjoyed traveling, whether family trips or he and Joan. They loved seeing the world!

He was preceded in death by his wife (Joan), parents, brother Wallace Erickson & sister Mae (Erickson) Gee.
He is survived by his children Mary (Dale) Flesberg, John (Kim) Erickson, Chuck (Jeanne) Erickson; grandchildren Eric (Angie) Flesberg, Brian (Sarah) Flesberg, Karen (Casey) Schumaker, Adam Erickson, Isaac (Rachel) Erickson, Charlie (Jaimee) Erickson, Heidi (Tyler) Fergel; great-grandchildren Anna, Benjamin, Gavin, Theodore, Luke and Aubrey.

Our special thanks to the entire staff at the Pioneer House for their care, concern and kindness!

Memorials may be given to North Buffalo Cemetery Association or The Duane & Joan Erickson Scholarship at the NDSU Foundation.

Visitation will be Monday, July 19, 2021, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.
The funeral will be Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. in North Buffalo Lutheran Church, near Kragnes, MN.
Interment will be in the North Buffalo Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Video tribute and online guestbook at www.wrightfuneral.com