Robert Erickson, devoted to Apple Valley

Robert Erickson, an Apple Valley City Council member, was often complimented by people who suggested he move up the political ladder.

They said he should consider running for higher office, but he would have none of it.

Erickson, a former software engineer who served in Apple Valley government for at least 26 years, died Feb. 17 at his Apple Valley home of complications from lung cancer.

He was 68.

Erickson, an 18-year member of the council, previously served on the city's planning and parks commissions.

"He loved this level of government," said Tom Goodwin, a fellow Apple Valley City Council member.

"He would look at every issue on its own merits," said Goodwin, saying Erickson didn't care if someone thought he was a liberal or conservative.

"He was as articulate as anybody as I have seen in public life," said Goodwin, adding Erickson was his closest friend.

Erickson was honored regularly as the most respected politician by his peers, said Goodwin. When the mayor was away, Erickson served as mayor pro tem.

He was the go-to person when it came to public safety in Apple Valley.

Tom Lawell, Apple Valley city administrator, said Erickson represented the city when governmental entities in Dakota County started their joint communications center and 911 service in January.

Erickson was also a key player in bringing a joint-powers arrangement for ambulance service in Apple Valley, Lakeville and Farmington.

"He had high integrity and common sense," said Lawell.

Erickson, a Brainerd native, graduated from Willmar High School in 1957.

After high school, he became a clerk for the Great Northern Railroad, rising to software engineer. Later, he worked for Control Data and National Computer as a software engineer.

In the early 1960s, he served in the Minnesota National Guard, and was called up for active duty, becoming a staff sergeant.

He moved to the Twin Cites in 1966, and lived in Apple Valley for 39 years, retiring three years ago.

"He always wanted to have a safe community for raising families," she said.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, he is survived by his daughters, Paula Granquist of Northfield, and Kim Stachowiak of Brookfield, Wis.; sister, Karen Ryan of Little Canada; brother, Steve of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and three grandchildren.