Roger Kenneth Erickson, age 78, of Shawano, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 in Shawano. Roger was born in the Town of Morris on December 5, 1937, the son of the late Carl Henry and Dorothy Melinda (Denny) Erickson. He graduated from Bowler High School and enlisted in the Air Force. During his military career, he drove in the motor pool and worked on the ground crew for bombers and tankers. On July 13, 1960, Roger was united in marriage to Barbara Mick in Mt. Clemens, MI. He was one of the drivers for President Lyndon Johnson in 1965-1966 when Johnson visited the President's Texas ranch. After retiring from the military, he was a trainer and school bus driver for Grosskopf Bus. When his boys were young, he was active as a Boy Scout Leader. He was a member of the Airforce Association, Republican Party, and enjoyed growing African Violets. He loved God's creation and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Roger had a big heart for all children—as a playmate, a tease, a teacher, or counselor. Although he was raised Lutheran, he attended Baptist services with Barbara for over 20 years.
Roger is survived by: his wife, Barbara; two sons, Mike (Vicky Vincent) Erickson of Xenia, OH and Mitch (Julie Albright) Erickson of West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren, Ian (Katie), Mara, Cierra, Ashlie, Emily, and Lizzy; five great-grandchildren, Falyn, Emerie, Chase, Nate, and Shaylin. He is further survived by six siblings, Jean Behnke, Reuben Erickson, Charles Erickson, Diane Cerveny, Karen (Don) Wurth, and Ralph (Cindy) Erickson; two sisters-in-law, Grace Erickson and Pam Erickson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by: one daughter-in-law, Angie, his parents, and three brothers, Herb, Gary, and Andy.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Church on the Hill (Methodist Church) in Shawano with Rev. Tony Gulbrandsen and Rev. Larry Polichnia officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion Post #117. Burial will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Morris. Visitation will be held at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano on Friday, July 8, 2016 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and again on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service.
Memorials may be directed to The Gideons International or Immanuel Lutheran Church.
