Roger Edward Erickson, 58, of Austin, died Sunday, July 1, 2012, in a boating accident while on vacation with his family.

Roger was born Sept. 5, 1953, in Petaluma, Calif., to Roger and Peggy (Murphy) Erickson. He grew up in Blooming Prairie and moved to Albert Lea where he graduated from high school. He attended Mankato State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, and obtained his master’s degree in special education. Roger taught in Park Rapids and Albert Lea. He was happily married to the love of his life, Bonnie, for 36 years. The two of them lived in Albert Lea where they gave birth to three children. Roger and his family moved to Austin in 1989 and have resided there ever since.

Roger was a numbers guy, remarkably responsive to his clients in financial planning. As a registered security officer, he worked for Piper Jaffery, Wells Fargo and most recently his own firm, RE Financial. Roger was a devout Catholic. He valued his faith, family and vocation.

Always with a quick wit and large smile, Roger embraced family and friends. He was generous with his time and talents being a member of the Austin Rotary Club, Austin Chamber of Commerce, St. Augustine Catholic Church and served on the Catholic Schools Foundation for eight years. Roger loved the outdoors, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends. He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

He dedicated his life to his wife, Bonnie; three children: Brooke (Ryan) Jordan and granddaughter, Eleanor, Alex Erickson and Katie Erickson; father Roger Erickson of Albert Lea; mother-in-law Irene Olinger of Albert Lea; brother David Erickson of Orono; sisters-in-law: Janet (Robert) Hartman, Sharon (David) Harris, Jodi Eschrich, Patti (Dennis) Trabing, Kristi (Steven) Kruen and Cindy Oquist; brothers-in-law, Ron (Peggy) Olinger and Terry (Paula) Olinger; 28 nieces and nephews; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Erickson; father-in-law, Wilfred Olinger; brother, James Erickson; brother-in-law, Timothy Olinger.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Augustine Catholic Church with the Rev. Jim Steffes, the Rev. Paul Nelson and Deacon John Kluczny officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Catholic Charities.