Obit: Erickson, Wallace Elmer (1929 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Erickson, Wilm, Lueck, Holub, Bergman, Sebesta-Opelt, Spencer, Brophy, True, Braatz

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 14 May 2016

Erickson, Wallace Elmer (30 AUG 1929 – 12 MAY 2016)

Wally Erickson, age 86, of Neillsville, WI died Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Wallace Elmer Erickson was born on August 30, 1929 in Knapp, Wisconsin the son of Elmer and Frances (Wilm) Erickson. He moved to Neillsville at the age of 9. He was baptized and confirmed in March, 1951. He graduated from Granton High School in 1949. He coached the freshman basketball team as a junior and senior.

Wally purchased a milk route in 1950, which he operated until 1956. He was united in marriage to Norma Lueck on April 7, 1951. He purchased a farm in 1951 and the home farm in 1960. He continued farming until 2002.

He served as director of the Neillsville Coop Transport and director and president of the Neillsville Farmer's Union Coop. He and his wife built Strike Time Lanes in Neillsville in 1983 and operated it until April of 1995.

He enjoyed football, basketball, and all other sports and traveled in all the states.

Wally is survived by a son, Roger (June) Erickson of Neillsville, WI, a daughter, Cheryl (Terry) Holub of Neillsville, three grandchildren, Travis (Jodi) Erickson, Tony (Beth) Erickson and Tyler (Amanda) Erickson, three step-grandchildren, Edward (Carrie) Holub, Katie Damon and Sarah (Mike) Bergman, five great grandchildren, Kyle Erickson, Brielle Erickson, Harlynn Erickson, Ella Erickson, Alle Erickson and Brock Erickson, eight step great grandchildren, Hudzon Sebesta-Opelt, Kimberly Holub, Stephanie Holub, Ashley Holub, Zackery Holub, Terry James Holub, Jaxson Bergman, Willow Bergman and Jordan Spencer and one great great grandson, Zayden Brophy. He is also survived by one sister, Mildred True of Clintonville, WI and one step brother, Earl (Wilma) Erickson of Neillsville, WI and one step sister, Doris Braatz of Neillsville, WI, along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, his parents, one brother, three step brothers and one step sister.

Funeral Services for Wally will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate. Music will be provided by Sharon Nemitz, organist and the St. John's Children's Choir. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home and from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday at the church. Interment for both Wally and Norma will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 21, 2016.

Memorials may be given to Wally's family for designation at a later date.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Wally's family with Funeral arrangements.