Roger Erickson, 83, Gillett, passed away with his family by his side on Friday, April 4, 2014. He was born on Oct. 22, 1930, to the late Carl and Cora (Beilfus) Erickson.
At the age of 17, Roger joined the United States Army during the Korean War. He proudly served his country, and in the process received a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in May 1952 and was ready to start a family.
Roger dedicated the rest of his life to his family and work. He spent 40-plus years as a butcher in Milwaukee. After retiring, he moved to Gillett and worked at the meat packing plant.
On Feb. 16, 1952, Roger married the love of his life, Marion (Paulson) Erickson, and spent the next 62 years more than happily married. They were wed at Bethel Lutheran Church, where he would spend the rest of his life serving God and his church. He filled many roles and wore many hats in the church over the course of his lifetime.
Along the way, as their love grew, the Erickson family began to expand also.
He is survived by his wife, Marion; three daughters, Mary Ann (Dan) Zelinski, Beverly (Howard) Tatro, Debra (Jeff) Westover; three brothers, Matt (Lou), Don (Sharon), and Dale Erickson; two sisters, June Evensen and Beverly Ullmer. He is further survived by five grandchildren, Jason, Mandy, Mary, Christopher and Rachel; and five great-grandchildren, Matthew, Hailey, Macy, Morgan and Miley; four brothers-in-law; Bobby (Bernice), Roger (Susie), Dale (Bonnie) and John (Sally) Paulson; five sisters-in-law, Jean Soper, Carol (Gary) Williamson, Sharon Trepanier, Susie (Arnie) Jeske and Theresa Paulson; a dear friend, Mario Morell; and many other relatives and close friends.
Preceding Roger in death are his parents, Carl and Cora; two brothers, Clayton and James Erickson; one sister, Doris Jandt; his mother- and father–in-law, Eleanor and Carl Paulson; and seven brothers-in-law, Norman, Steve, Milo, Wayne, Ray, Clarence and Todd.
Friends called Tuesday, April 8, at Kuehl Funeral Home, 108 E. Main St., Gillett. Visitation will resume on Wednesday, April 9, at Bethel Lutheran Church from 9-11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Bill Gruenstern officiating. A luncheon will follow.
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