MARK RODNEY ERICKSON was born March 29, 1962, at West Point, Nebraska, to Maynard and Alice (Almery) Erickson. He passed away suddenly Saturday, July 17, 2010, in Oakland, Nebraska, at the age of 48 years.

Mark grew up on the farm in Cuming County, where he enjoyed animals, especially ponies, farm work, jumping from the milk shed, hay mount, his family and friends. He attended rural school District No. 81 during his elementary years, and graduated from Oakland-Craig High School in 1980.

Mark began working at Agland, now known as CVA, during the summer between his junior and senior years in high school. He started on the tire truck, went to the feed truck and then into the office, where he learned grain merchandising from his boss, Dale Johnson.  He was known as “Sparky” and never wanted to attend college, he liked to work.  He could often be seen climbing bin legs, cleaning a bin, or working in the office. In 2006, Mark joined with DeBruce Grain in Fremont as a grain merchandiser and was recently promoted to manager. He had a deep love for helping others.  

On April 8, 1992, Mark married the love of his life, Connie Lodl at Fremont, Nebraska. Children, Jessica Lucero, Bryana, Arman, Aubrey, Asa and Mariah along with grandson, Tayden, eventually made up their family. Mark and Connie were such a team taking care of their family. His wife and family were his life.  His love of athletics, wrestling, and playing ball at District 81 and as a young adult with the Oakland Town Team was given to his children.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; twin brothers, Stephen and Michael; and father, Maynard on May 23, 2010.

Survivors include his wife, Connie; six children, Jessica, Bryana, Arman, Aubrey, Asa, Mariah and grandson, Tayden; mother, Alice of Oakland; father- and mother-in-law, Laddie and Mary Lou Lodl of Fremont; brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Jane Erickson and sister, Sherri Erickson all of Lincoln; sister- and brother-in-law, Ken and Chris Tracy of Blair; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, July 21, 2010, 10:30 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Oakland with Rev. Steven Hoden, officiating.

VISITATION: Tuesday 1- 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 – 7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Oakland. Visitation Wednesday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: Oakland Cemetery

MEMORIALS: to the Family

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

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