Charles Erickson

NORWAY - Charles "Chuck" David Erickson, 66, of W5716 Warner Lane in Norway, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at his home. He was born on Nov. 30, 1942, in Iron Mountain, son of the late E.O. "Buck" and Muriel (Johnson) Erickson. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1960, and then pursued his childhood dream of maintaining the heavy equipment machinery used to build roads. After attending an intensive diesel mechanics program in Illinois, Chuck was employed by Bacco Construction Co. in late 1960 starting as a field mechanic. In 1970, he became the shop superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. From 1984-2002, Chuck also served on Bacco's Board of Directors as a stockholder. After his retirement, Chuck became a certified heavy equipment appraiser, operating this business often with the assistance of his son, Chuck. He served in the Michigan Army National Guard beginning in September of 1964 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in September 1970. He married the former Karen Moe on Aug. 6,1966, in Minneapolis, Minn. She preceded him in death on Aug. 18, 2007. On Nov. 29, 2008, Chuck married Peggy Schram at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford. Together they fulfilled his dream of building a home at "the camp" complete with a beautiful den where he meticulously catalogued his extensive library of World War II books and movies. The citizens of Dickinson County, as well as communities statewide, also benefited from Chuck's knowledge and expertise in road maintenance and building. In 1977, he began his tenure on the Dickinson County Road Commission and, since then, served as chairman various times and was currently chairman at the time of his death. Chuck was also appointed to the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM) Board in September 1994. There he held the offices of vice-president and president as well as serving on the following committees: General Policy Committee, Executive Committee, Commissioners' Committee, Legislative Review Committee, and the Township Relations Committee. As a member of the U.P. Road Builders' Association, he also served as president, vice-president and secretary/treasurer. Chuck was one of the longest seated commissioners in the state of Michigan serving the citizens of Dickinson County and Road Commissions across the state for more than 32 years. Chuck was truly a remarkable individual, a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and dedicated public servant. Stories of his wit, intelligence, work ethic, compassion, generosity and love are legend. His presence will be forever felt in the hearts of those who loved him. His chair at Saturday lunch and Sunday coffee may be empty, but his friends will certainly celebrate his life there and elsewhere. Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; his son, Chuck (E-Ben) Erickson of Appleton, Wis.; his sister and brother-in-law, Kristine and Stephen Leonard of Iron Mountain; his niece, Erika (Jim) Harbridge and their children, Ava and Max of Thornton, Colo., Gabe (Jeannie) Leonard and their son, Jackson of Chicago, Zachary (Jill) Leonard and their sons, Zachary and Winston Charles of Auburn Hills, Mich.; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jim and Barb Schram of Iron River; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Bob Han of Iron River, Kathy and Dave Ridolphi of Iron River, Jim and Ginny Schram of Green Bay, Wis., Richard and Jessica Schram and their families, Ann and Tilman O. Moe II of Neenah, Wis. and Gail and Leroy Neal of LaMirada, Calif. and their families. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Central time) at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Rev. Lori Liverance will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Pallbearers will be Henry Wender, Marty Allstrom, Ron Hoskins, Allan Bilski, Tim Hammill, and George Gendron. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Forgette Sr. and Bob Forgette Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dickinson County Road Commission/Humane Society Project in memory of Chuck. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Charles "Chuck" Erickson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.