Edward G. Erickson, 88, of San Jose, CA and formerly of Madison and Eau Claire, died of cancer on June 30, 2005, at Willow Glen Villa in San Jose, surrounded by his family. He was born in Eau Claire on May 16, 1917, the son of Edwin K. and Anna (Gilbertson) Erickson.\r\nHe graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School and then attended UW-Eau Claire from 1940-1941. During the 1930s he served three years in the Wis. National Guard -Eau Claire Cavalry Unit. He entered the U.S. Army-Air Corp. on June 10, 1941, during World War II, and went to pilot training school after which he served in the Philippines. He received an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant on January 18, 1946.\r\nEdward married Enid B. Robinson on Dec. 4, 1943, at 1st Congregational Church in Madison. \r\nFollowing the war he attended UW-Madison from 1946-1950, where he earned his degree in Agricultural Engineering.\r\nEdward worked 40 years as a farm equipment and truck salesman with International Harvestor and Meyer Trucks. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, the VFW and the Masonic Lodge.\r\nEd moved to San Jose in 2001 to spend more time with his son and family, and to receive additional help as his Alzheimer's progressed.\r\nSurvivors include his son, Edward D.&his wife Susan J. (Busse) Erickson of San Jose, CA, and their 3 children (Jason 18, Melissa 15&Kailey 12); his brother, Leonard H. Erickson and his wife, Ardis of Madison; and nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Enid in 1990; three sisters, Jeanette Erickson, Ellen Warden and Norma Erickson; and a brother, Dan M. Erickson. Edward will be remembered as a great athlete having won the state high jump championship and playing starting center for a YMCA team that won a 5 state basketball tournament in 1936. His basketball career also included college ball at UW-Eau Claire and playing against the Harlem Globetrotters. He was an accomplished and avid golfer at Nakoma Country Club.\r\nEd is known by so many for his long walks, kind words and his unselfish gestures. He characterizes a great generation that displayed courage, integrity and a work ethic that should be an inspiration for generations to come. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends but these qualities will live in us forever.\r\nMemorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2005, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home with the Rev. Amy Odgren officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire where VFW Post #305 will conduct military graveside rites. Family and friends may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home. \r\nThe family requests memorials be directed to Wisconsin Comprehensive Memory Program (payable to the UWCMP Board of Regents), UW Department of Geriatrics, c/o Dr. Sanjay Asthana, 2870 University Avenue, Suite 106, Madison, WI 53705, memory-research@medicine.wisc.edu.\r\n

Service Information