John W. Erickson Sr.

John W. Erickson Sr., age 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, while at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital.  He was born on May 8, 1936, to the late Andrew and Emma (Albertson) Erickson in the township of Westbrook, MN., and grew up in Merrill, WI.  John proudly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged.  He met the love of his life, Miss Barbara Potter, and the two exchanged their marriage vows on February 21, 1959, in Merrill, WI.  They had been married for 63 years, a marriage union filled with love and devotion.  Barbara survives. 

John grew up on the family dairy farm, taking care of his parents, and took over the operation of the farm.  John had also worked at Merrill Distributing, the Merrill Golf Course and Anson & Gilky Windows.  John had a heart of gold, and his family was first and foremost in his life, he cherished his time spent with them and watching his grandkids and nephews at their sporting events, both locally and nationally.  John was so proud of his grandchildren, and he instilled love and dedication in each of their lives. He put so much into his whole family; he was a very dedicated family man. John’s family lovingly remembers him enjoying grilling and talking with family and friends around the bonfire, collecting baseball cards, fishing, bowling, and watching Lawrence Welk.  He was an avid Packers, Brewers, and Bucks fan, and enjoyed bowling and taking walks at the Council Grounds.  John looked forward to a nice day out on the golf course, working on his game. He was a member at the Lions Club and Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 64 years: Barbara Erickson of Merrill, sons: John ‘Jack’ W. (Lorann) Erickson Jr. of Merrill and Brien (Amy) Erickson of Marion, WI, daughter: Lana (Todd) Woller of Pleasant Prairie, WI, granddaughters: Diana Woller, Melanie (Wesley) Cashwell, with their children: Quinn, Emilee and Spencer and Becky (Clint) Turnquist, with their children: Aiden and Olivia, grandsons: Marshall Woller, Joshua (Aura), with their son: Maxwell, John, D.O. (Katie), with their children: Grace and Elizabeth, Aaron (Victoria), with their children: Milayna ‘Mila’ and Everly ‘Eva’ and Michael (special friend: Kayla) with his daughter: Libby, brother: Orea Erickson, brother-in-law: Charles Pergande, sister-in-law: Carol (John) Miller and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Vicky Erickson, infant son: Todd Michael Erickson, brothers: Derald and Arlo Erickson, sisters: Lorna (Floyd) Gorman and Susie Pergande, brothers-in-law: Eddie Bennett and Glennwood Goodwin and sisters-in-law: Margie Erickson, Grace Wood and Corrine Bennett.

The memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 12:00 PM at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.  Pastor Kathy Tulman will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 10:00 AM until the time of the service, also at the funeral home.  Military honors will take place at the funeral home immediately following the service. A luncheon will then take place in the Lincoln Room at the funeral home.  Burial of John’s cremated remains will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery in Spring.

The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend and can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website.  It will then be posted as a recording for future viewing.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital for their care and compassion they showed to John and his family.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.