Erie C.L. Safford, age 94 of Shawano, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at a local nursing home. Born on November 9, 1916 in Shawano, he was the son of the late Elmer and Ida (Harbath) Safford. On August 7, 1940 Erie was united in marriage to Lorraine Mauk in Iowa. Four years later, he enlisted with the United States Army and proudly served his country until being wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After service, Erie worked for ten years as a custodian at the Colorado State University. Upon returning to Wisconsin, Erie and Lorraine raised their family and farmed in the White Lake area. Erie was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Shawano where he was a Sunday school teacher and head usher. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, as well as hunting, fishing, camping, bowling, traveling and spending the winters with his wife in Arizona. Erie is survived by: his wife of 71 years, Lorraine; a daughter, Carolyn (Don) Roth of CO; 2 sons, Dana (Lupe) Safford of CA, Erie (Loretta) Safford of Omaha, NE; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren. Erie was preceded in death by: his daughter, Barbara Meyers; and his parents. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Assembly of God Church in Shawano with the Rev. Dan Taylor officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117 at the church following the service. Burial will be in the Bent Cemetery near Antigo. Visitation will be held at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Friday from 4-7pm and at the church on Saturday after 9am until the time of the service. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com