George Erickson

KINGSFORD - George Einar Erickson, 85, of Kingsford, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 16, 2008. George was born Jan. 12, 1923, in Norway, to the late Axel and Ida (Grunsmark) Erickson. After graduation from Norway High School in 1942, George served his country in World War II in the Army infantry in Italy until his honorable discharge in 1946. George attended the University of Florence in Italy, Lake Superior State College in Sault Ste. Marie for three years, and Millikan University in Decatur, Ill., earning a pilot's license while serving with the Army Air Corps. George then returned to the area to work at Niagara Paper Mill as an instrument technician, retiring in 1985. On Feb. 5, 1954, he married Elizabeth Gill at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Norway. To this union two children were born, Gill Eldred and Gayle Anne (Nault). They made their home in Kingsford. Elizabeth preceded him in death in January 2002. George was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. He loved going to his camp, spending time in the woods, driving his tractor and always being around his family. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kindness, and intelligence. His wisdom and soft spoken manner will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him. George loved his family and he always put them first. George is survived by his two children, Gill (Laurie) Erickson and Gayle (Craig) Nault; his brother, Robert "Topa;" six grandchildren, Megan Erickson of Liberty, Mo., Michael Erickson of Kingsford, Jessica Erickson of Green Bay, Wis., Eric (Kelly) Nault of Dresser, Wis., Traci (Damon) Isburg of Spearfish, S.D., and Marci (Todd) Veale of Iron Mountain; eight great-grandchildren, Bryce and Bjorn Nault, Carson, Rudy, and Leo Axel Isburg, Garrett and Audrey Veale and Summer Erickson and special nephews and niece, Jeff and Patti Gill, John and Jill Gill, Mary and Louis Leslie, Tom and Thora Gill, Gary and Tamara Gill, and Bob and Pearl Gill. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Erling, Eugene and Everett and four sisters, Elizabeth Ripke, Edith Jensen, Elsie Erickson, and Ester Erickson. Services for George will be held Wednesday at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church with Pastor Stephen Cowen presiding. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a funeral service following at 3 p.m. George will be then laid to rest in Quinnesec Cemetery with military honors. A memorial has been established in his name. Special thanks for the loving care given to our father by Janelle Moraska. Condolences may be expressed to the family of George Erickson online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

George Erickson

May 16, 1923 - May 16, 2008