Randy G. Erickson

Randy G. Erickson, 62, formerly of Marseilles, Illinois, passed away at his home in Key West on July 5, 2013. Randy lost his battle with cancer in the early morning hours, with his loving wife Debbie, by his side. Funeral Service for Randy will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at Ottawa Funeral Home with Reverend Ufkes officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. A celebration of life will be held in Key West at a later date. Randy was born June 19, 1951, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Ralph G. Erickson and Clarice J. (Johnson) Abernathy. He grew up in Marseilles, Illinois. His family owned and operated Prairie Lake Hunt Club and Lodge. Randy graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1969. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University, and received his MBA from Northern Illinois University. On September 20, 1987, he married Deborah K. Roth of Ottawa, Illinois, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and they made their home in Key West, Florida. Randy was employed with The Key West Citizen Newspaper/Cooke Communications since 1986. He was the Vice President of Operations and Production. His dedication to the newspaper and his respect and admiration for his colleagues was unsurpassed. Randy was an extraordinary man who contributed his time and talent in many areas. He loved life, classic cars, and animals, especially his beloved dog, Elke. He is survived by his wife, Debbie of Key West, his father, Ralph G. Erickson of Wilcox, Arizona, and mother, Clarice J. (Johnson) Abernathy of Ottawa, Illinois. Survivors also include his brother, Jeff (Carliss) Erickson of Boulder, Colorado; two sisters, JoAnne Johnson of Genoa, Illinois and Jene (Jerry) Pitsenbarger of Ottawa, Illinois. Randy also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jeff Erickson, Jared Pitsenbarger, Jerry Pitsenbarger, Donald Johnson, Jerry Larsen, and Duane Larsen. Memorials may be directed to the family.