Russell “Russ” H. Erickson was born on Aug. 12, 1926, in Grantsburg, Wis., the only son of Hilmer O. and Mae I. (Swenson) Erickson.
Russ was loved by everyone he met. He and his wife Sandy lived in Tomahawk for many years. They were happily married for over 41 years. He was a loving stepfather to Sandy’s daughter Jill from a previous marriage. At the age of 54 he welcomed his very own child Dawn. He loved her to the max. Russell was a veteran of WWII. He was able to go on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight a few years ago with his daughter as his chaperone. Russ worked at American Can in Milwaukee until his retirement. In his retirement, Russ loved doing mechanical work in his garage. For fun he loved camping, snowmobiling, canoeing, playing cards, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Green Bay Packers and just getting together with family and friends. Even after his stroke he enjoyed going to baseball games with family. He always loved being included in birthdays and Holidays. Even though he could not speak he could convey more warmth and love in a handshake than most men can convey in a conversation. He kissed many hands in his way of saying Thank You!
He is survived by his wife, Sandy, stepdaughter Jill (Tom) Parker of McCaskill, Ark.,, daughter Dawn (Don) Calhoun of Wausau, three granddaughters Ella, Delilah, and Mercedes of Wausau, brothers-in-law Donald (Kathy) Crass of Goose Creek, S.C., and Jerry (Judy) Crass of Tomahawk, sisters-in-law Alicia Crass of Spokane, Wash., and Mary (Rodney) Dering of Wausau. He is also survived by nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Russ is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Irene (Ervin) Libecki, Harriet (Arthur) Lahl, and Ione (Marvin) Anderson, brothers-in-law Richard and Ronald Crass.
Funeral service for Russ was held on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m., with visitation from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at your Restoration Church, Wausau, with Pastor Bryan Gerrish officiating.
The family would like to thank Marshfield Medical Center, Weston for the care given in his final day. They would also like to thank The Bay at Colonial Manor Nursing Home for the care given the last three in a half years. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.