Robert "Topa" Erickson

Robert Floyd ”Topa” Erickson, 84, passed away on July, 17, 2010, in Spread Eagle, WI following a day with his family and a sunset pontoon boat ride. Robert was born on January 23, 1926 in Norway, MI to the late Axel and Ida (Grunsmark) Erickson. In his senior year of high school he was drafted at the age of 17 into the Marines and saw combat action on the island of Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged after three years of serving his country. Bob then return to Norway High School and graduated at the age of 21. Bob worked as a carpenter with his brother Erling for two years and then moved to be with his sister Betty in Chicago, IL to attend watch repair school. While attending watch repair schooling Bob entered amateur golf tournaments and won his first big tournament in 1950, The Mid-West Amateur Tournament . He was then asked to become a Pro in 1956 and work at Lincolnshire Golf Course in Linconshire, IL. He started the Pro Tour in 1968. Bob always had a love for the game of golf. As a young man his first club he constructed was out of a cedar tree with the knot of the wood as the head. Robert ‘s Pro career flourished as he entered more tournaments and won. He gives credit to many distinguished people along the way that helped him get established, including Solhim, the owner of Ping, that became his sponsor. One of Bob’s finest moments in golf was when he was leading the U.S. Open in 1970. Bob played in tournaments around the country and world and had the honor of playing with Presidents Bush and Carter and many pro football players and actors. While on the pro tour he met and married Mona Erickson and adopted her son, Dean. They made their home in Orlando, Florida. Mona passed away in 2002. In 1980 he joined the Senior Tour and upon retiring in the mid-90’s he continued to teach golf. He loved being around people and finished out his life as a greeter/security guard for Wal-Mart. Robert recently returned to his hometown to have a knee surgery and be close to family, always with the hope to swing the club one more time. He spent his final days in glory at Oak Crest Golf Course catching up with old friends and giving tips to young golfers. He was preceeded in death by his wife, four brother, Erling, Eugene, Everett and George; four sisters, Elizabeth Ripke, Edith Jensen, Elsie Erickson & Ester Erickson. Robert is survived by his son, Dean (Debbie) Erickson (Fl.), many nieces and nephews including from this area Gayle (Craig) Nault, (Spread Eagle, WI) and Gill (Laurie) Erickson (Kingsford, MI). He will be deeply missed by Pastor Paul Davis, Tom and Chris Henry and their families of Orlando, FL, Randy Arnett, Bob Wurzer of Norway, who got him to the Oak Crest Golf Course , and many friends he touched along the way. A memorial has been established in Bob Erickson’s name for the benefit of children interested in golf. A memorial service will be held at a later date and announced at that time. Condolences to the family of Robert “Topa” Erickson can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Robert "Topa" Erickson

January 23, 1926 - July 17, 2010