Pete Erickson

Peter Dean “Pete Bud” Erickson passed away unexpectedly at his home in Peterson, Minn., on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Pete was born to Herbie and Beverly Erickson, in Harmony, Minn., on May 5, 1960. He grew up in Caledonia, Minn., and graduated from Caledonia High School in 1978. He was a proud Eagle Scout. He built his own hut in his backyard and decked out every car he had. He went on to graduate from Vo-Tech in La Crosse, Wis.

He owned Erickson Construction and he was a very skilled carpenter who loved to build things. He was very meticulous with his work and people would wait years for him to do the job. He built the old town at Buffalo Gal Ranch which he was very proud of. You would often see him working on houses during the summer in his cut off jean shorts, white tank top, and knee-high socks. A look only he could pull off! He also worked for the city of Peterson and was the proud owner of Pack Rat Pete’s in Peterson.

Pete was a collector of anything and everything. Some people called it trash, but to Pete he had a gold mine of treasures. He also had the gift of being able to go up to complete strangers and talk to them like he had been friends with them his whole life.

We all know he called everyone Bud, but his favorite was Rosebud, his fiancé of 35 years. He and Rose moved to Peterson in 1993. He took on the responsibilities of being a dad to her daughter Missy without hesitation or question. He always felt like she was his own and was very proud when he became Grandpa Pete.

Pete was a very big fan of Elvis and enjoyed going to see Elvis impersonators whenever he could.

He is survived by his mother Beverly Aasum, sisters Sue (Lyle) Klug and Arlene (Mike) Taylor, brother David Erickson, niece Angie (Jay), nephew Drew, many great-nieces, nephews and cousins; aunt Rochelle, fiancé (Pete always called her his wife) Rosemarie Morken, daughter Missy Keenan, grandchildren Ashley, Cael, Kadence and Brady Keenan; and his faithful sidekick, his dog, Punky.

Preceded in death by his dad Herbie Erickson, stepfather Sidney Aausum, grandparents on both sides, and son-in-law David Keenan.

The family would like to thank the Rushford Ambulance, JP, Scott and Val, Hoff Funeral Home, Logan Brand, and everyone who has reached out to our family during this tragic and difficult time. We greatly appreciate you all.

As Pete would say to end a conversation or phone call, “Bye bye, catch ya later, I’m gone.” We know you can all hear him saying this right now with an unforgettable smile on his face.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Highland  Lutheran Church, 22423 391st Avenue, Lanesboro, Minn., with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, 4-7 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Home, 780 North Mill St., Rushford, Minn.

Hoff Funeral Home is assisting the family.