Harold Rudolph Erickson

Harold Rudolph Erickson, age 81, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at Ascension All Saints Hospital. He was born in Holbrook, Long Island, NY, January 31, 1942, son of the late Nils and Lillian (Nee: Preske) Erickson.

Harold graduated from Belvidere High School, Belvidere, NJ, “Class of 1960”. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1964 aboard the USS Charles R. Ware DD865 as a Tin Can Sailor. It was at the Great Lakes Naval Base that he met the love of his life, Claire J. Brown and on February 24, 1962, they were united in marriage. Claire preceded him in death June 10, 2014. Harold was employed by J.I. Case Co for 30 years, retiring in 2002. He was an active member, usher, and eucharistic minister of St. Louis Catholic Church where he volunteered working at the food pantry, the church festival and whatever capacity that was needed. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and member and former Commander of American Legion Post 310. He helped many fellow veterans by being a volunteer driver. Harold was a founding member of the Old North West Company, O.N.W. C.; a group that reenacted historical time periods including that of the French and Indian voyager fur traders and trappers. He was a Packer fan and avid sportsman, a member of the Wisconsin Sportsman Assn and the County Line Rifle Range. For fifty years he proudly taught hunter education. Above all Harold was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his children, Nils (Mary) Erickson of Lansing, Kansas, Kirsten Erickson (Ed Cooke) of Bartlett, IL, Karri Preston (Ken) Eckert of Watertown, WI; grandchildren, Stephan, Anna, Emily, Quincy, Keegan, Cameron, Max, and Madeline; great grandchildren Isaac, Westley, Finley and Penelope; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by siblings, Carol Gorman, Eric (Betty) Erickson.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Louis Catholic Church, 13207 County Road G, Caledonia, Friday, November 17, 2023, 12 pm noon. Relatives and friends may meet with the family prior to the Mass at the church from 11 am until noon. Private entombment with full military honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Louis Catholic Church, Fisher House Wisconsin, or to the Wounded Warrior Project have been suggested.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Staff at St. Monica’s Senior Living, Dr. Robert Gullberg and Staff, and the 5th Fl Cardiac Wing at Ascension All Saints for their loving and compassionate care.