Obit: Erickson, Ruth (1921 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Anzalone, Boening, Erickson, Erwin, Hendricks, Klabon, Larson, Olson, Streeter

----Source: The Owen-Withee Enterprise (Owen, WI) 5/23/2017

Erickson, Ruth (Klabon) (24 APR 1921 - 21 MAY 2017)

Ruth Klabon Erickson, 96, died peacefully on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Close to Home in Tomah.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 12 PM at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

~

----Source: The La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, WI) 5/23/2017

Ruth Klabon Erickson, 96, died peacefully Sunday, May 21, 2017, at Close to Home in Tomah.

Ruth was born April 24, 1921, to Anna and Herman Klabon in Withee, Wis. She had three brothers, Ray, Ossie and John Klabon; and three sisters, Clara Anzalone, Jenny Hendricks and June Boening.

In February of 1942, she married Carl Erickson and together they raised four children, Arnie (Rita) Erickson, Karen Erwin, Kathy (Jim) Larson and Tim Erickson.

Ruth is survived by three children, Karen Erwin, Kathy (Jim) Larson and Tim Erickson; eight grandchildren, Deanna, Gina and Luke Erickson, Jason, David, Kevin, Eric and Greg Olson; five great-grandchildren, Eden, Loghanne, Karsynn, Isabella and Jasmine Olson; sister, June Boening.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Erickson; son, Arnold Erickson; brothers, Ray, Ossie and John Klabon; sisters, Clara Anzalone and Jenny Hendricks.

Aside from a few years spent in Chicago, working during World War II, she lived on or near the farm where she was born. Farming was central to her life, and she milked cows and managed the farm with the help of her children and husband. Family was the core of her heart and her life. She was happiest when she was hosting large family get-togethers at the farm. Her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, have memories of wonderful childhood adventures with Grandma/Aunt Ruthie. Many can recount the stories she loved to tell of her father and mother, her childhood, and her children. In her time alone, she loved studying history, and reading books and National Geographic.

As a child of the Great Depression, Ruth lived simply. Making do with what you had was a way of life, instead of a chore to be tolerated. Ruth was known for her ability to love and to forgive. She was never bitter or hopeless. She remained happy, light-hearted, compassionate, and forgiving until the end of her life.

She always said she had the best family and the greatest neighbors anyone could hope for. Before moving into assisted living at Touch of Home/Close to Home in Tomah, her neighbors visited her often, plowed her driveway, drove her to appointments, brought her food and looked out for her. After moving, she often commented how good people were to her in her adopted home.

Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, May 24, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Robert Streeter will officiate. Burial will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Withee. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.