Ralph James Erickson Jr.'s Obituary
Ralph James Erickson, Jr. of Rochester Hills, Michigan and a former resident of Troy, Michigan passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the age of 91. He was born on May 18, 1934 in Royal Oak Township, Michigan.
Ralph was married to his beloved wife Juanita Erickson for 61 years until her death in March of 2024. He is predeceased in death by his parents, Ralph Erickson, Sr. and Regina Erickson, his Sister Madeline Erickson Vale, and son Kirk Erickson.
He was a cherished father “Daddy” to Randall Erickson of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Roger Erickson of Rochester Hills, Michigan, James Erickson of Madison Heights, Michigan, and Taryn Erickson of Rochester Hills, Michigan. He was also a grandfather to William Hersha-Erickson and Jonathan Erickson.
Ralph was born in Royal Oak Township and raised in Madison Heights where he attended and graduated from Madison High School. He then went to college at the University of Detroit while working construction. After he left college he joined the Army. After he served his time in the Army, he took a big chance and spent all of his money on a building that he actually helped build when he was doing construction. He put a cot in the back of the shop and that is where he stayed until he could afford a place. He opened John R. Appliance in 1961. In 1962 he married his beloved wife Juanita. They moved from Royal Oak to Troy, Michigan in 1964. They were together for 61 years and ended up having 5 children.
Ralph supported his family with the money from the shop. He worked full time until the age of 89 when he physically could not do it anymore. Ralph was a kind and generous man, the level of his generosity can’t be fully known. He thought helping others is just something you do and didn’t feel the need to tell anyone. We do know some of what he did, like donating to churches, local kids football teams, Make a wish of Michigan, and helped Forgotten Harvest. Ralph would also help people who were struggling and came into the John R. Appliance needing parts or appliances. For example, I met a woman that I got to talking with and in the conversation I mentioned him. She perked up and said she knew him and how much it meant to her that he helped her out. She had a disabled son who had lost both legs and was in debt. Her fridge had broken down. She hoped a part would fix it but she ended up needing a new one and could not afford to purchase one. She said when he heard about her son and she showed a photo of him, Ralph decided to give it to her for free. He didn’t tell anyone about. When I mentioned it to him he confirmed it and asked about her son. That is the kind of man he was.
Ralph was a kind and gentle man with a huge heart. He had a great sense of humor. He would tell tall tales at times and liked to give people silly nice names. He loved fishing and occasionally going to the casino. He was an honorable man. He was very loved and respected. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22nd from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm and the Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 23rd at 11:00 am at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R. Road, (1 block N. of 13 Mile Road, west side of John R. Road), Madison Heights, Michigan. Burial will be at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan.
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