----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 06/18/2003

Erickson, Lester R. (26 Jan 1928 - 15 JUN 2003)

Lester R. Erickson, 75, Willard, formerly of Waukesha, died on Sunday, June 15, 2003, at the Memorial Nursing Home, Neillsville. A memorial service will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at the EB Shurtz Building at the Fox River Sanctuary, Waukesha.

Lester Robert Erickson was born on Jan. 26, 1928, in Waukesha, to Benjamin and Olga (nee Halverson) Erickson. He attended school in Waukesha and then joined the U.S. Army in 1951. He served in the Korean War and was a highly decorated veteran. After his return from the service he worked various jobs in the Milwaukee area before going to work for Harley Davidson in the late 1960s. He married Norma Jean Newbury on May 29, 1953, in Illinois. He was employed at Harley Davidson for 29 years, eventually working his way up to foreman. After his retirement, they moved to Willard. He was a member of the VFW in Waukesha. His interests included his dog, playing guitar, woodworking, word games and gardening.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; three daughters, Diana Smith, Waukesha, and her children, Stephen (Christine) Smith, Fort Lewis, Wash., and their child Brianna, and Cristopher Smith, Waukesha, Donna (Bill Dillenburg) Erickson, Antioch, Ill., and her daughter, Destiny Erickson, Lake Geneva, and Jolene (Dennis) Krause, Willard, and her children, Thad Krause, St. Paul, Nikki Krause, Willard, and Sarah Krause, Willard; one son, Robert Erickson, Saipan; and one brother, Everett Erickson, Lake Geneva.

Preceding him in death were his parents; one grandchild, Richard Charles; one brother, Leroy; and two sisters, Marian and Beatrice.

The Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, is assisting the family with local arrangements.