This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: patdickow Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.houghton/4689.1.5/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Willard J. Erickson - Daily Mining Gazette - (Dec/28/2005) DOLLAR BAY - Willard J. Erickson, 92, a resident of Dollar Bay, passed away early Monday morning, December 26, 2005, at Portage Pointe in Hancock where he had been a resident patient since November of 2002. Prior to being a resident of Portage Pointe, Willard enjoyed fishing the waters of the Keweenaw. While at Portage Pointe, he enjoyed the Wellness Garden and "his" beloved dogs, Selka and Bryga. He was born on December 22, 1913, in Pointe Mills Location, a son of the late John and Annie (Kinnunen) Erickson. He attended the Dollar Bay Schools. As a child, he moved to Dollar Bay and resided there until becoming a resident patient at Portage Pointe. On October 5, 1940, he was united in marriage to the former Elsie A. Aittama and she preceded him in death on November 4, 1993. Mr. Erickson worked for Atlas Powder Company and later, became a well-known businessman, owning and operating Erickson's Feed and Seed. For years, Willard also transported strawberries from Chassell to Chicago for the Chassell Strawberry Growers Association. Also preceding him in death were his parents; and a sister, Viola Statler. Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Willard will be held this Friday, December 30, 2005, at 2 p.m. in the Holy Trininty Lutheran Church in Chassell with Rev. Ted Koehl to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. Friends may call at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell on Friday from 1 p.m. until time of services. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be given to Portage Pointe Wellness Garden, Portage Health Foundation, 500 Campus Drive, Hancock, MI 49930. The Memorial Funeral Home in Hancock is serving the family. To view Willard's obituary or send a condolence to the family, please go to www.memorialchapel.net. ____________________________________________ Social Security Death Index Name: Willard J. Erickson SSN: 379-10-9207 Last Residence: 49916 Chassell, Houghton, Michigan Born: 22 Dec 1913 Died: 26 Dec 2005 State (Year) SSN issued: Michigan (Before 1951) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.