Eric Donaldson -- Rochester

Published March 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM

The memorial service for Eric James Donaldson, of Rochester, will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 22, at Ranfranz & Vine Remembrance and Reception Centre, 5482 Royal Place NW. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Eric died Friday, March 15, at his home.

Eric was born at the Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, Calif., on March 22, 1961, to Ruth Ann and James Allen Donaldson.

All of Eric’s younger years were spent in Dodge Center, and he graduated from Dodge Center High School in 1979. In 1983, Eric graduated from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, receiving a bachelor’s degree in physics.

Through the years, he has been involved with, and was part owner of Energy Economics, Inc. of Dodge Center, where he helped develop the sonic nozzle prover. He also held positions in a software company, videography company, the LoveUgly Cabaret, which he founded, and was a teacher at Rochester Studio Academy charter school.

He has been a part of the Rochester theater scene for about 25 years. He began with a few acting roles, among them, playing "Lenny" in the Rochester Civic Theatre’s production of "Of Mice and Men." In later years, he has been the "go-to tech guy" for audio and visual for many Theatre du Jour, and Rochester Repertory Theatre Productions.

He had many interests, which he followed with an inspiring passion, including photography, astronomy, technology of any kind, and he loved to muse on wild theories about reality and the universe. He made several visits to the "Burning Man" festival in Nevada. In 2017, he drove day and night to reach Wyoming, seeking to find the best shot of the solar eclipse, resulting in incredible photos.

Eric is survived by his mother, Ruth of Dodge Center; his brother, Mark of Rochester; his brother, Kurt of Los Angeles; and his nephew, Andrew of Boulder, Colo. He was preceded in death by his father, James.

To leave a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. 507-289-3600.