Harold J. Erickson, Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Ret., age 87 of Eau Claire, died Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Sacred Heart Hospital. He was born near Colfax in Dunn County, the son of Perry and Katherine (Friberg) Erickson. Harold graduated from Menomonie High School with the Class of 1940, and from the University of Minnesota in 1949 with a degree in civil engineering. He married the love of his life, Gladys E. (Gynnild) Erickson on November 25, 1945, at First Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. Harold served in the United States Air Force as a pilot of a B-17, "The Flying Fortress" from March 1941 to November 1945 during World War II. After being shot down by the Nazis over Bordeaux, France, and was severely injured, Harold was captured and spent 18 months in Stalag I in northern Germany. After serving full time with the Air Force, Harold joined the Air Force Reserves, in which he was called to active duty in California during the Korean Conflict. He continued serving in the Air Forces Reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1982. He began his professional career in LaCrosse. He then worked as City Engineer in Wausau for 15 years, until moving to Eau Claire, where he worked for the DNR as an Environmental Engineer, retiring in 1988. He was a registered civil engineer in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Later in life Harold and Gladys enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, visiting family and friends. Harold especially enjoyed his flight crew reunions held in various cities throughout the country. His lifetime dream was accomplished in 1983 when he and Gladys along with Kris and Steve traveled to Norway to visit the homeland of his grandparents and other relatives. This was truly a highlight of his life. Harold was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, DAV, VFW Post #305, and the American Legion Post #53. He was a past president of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Association of Public Works. He remained active in the national POW-MIA association, the Wisconsin Indianhead Chapter ex-POW, and was a member of the 390th Bombardier Group. Harold is survived by three daughters, Kathleen (Michael) Schremp of Eau Claire and their four children, Erik (Hayley) Schremp of Hudson, Kaitlyn Schremp of Richfield, MN, Kaia and Kjersti Schremp, both of Eau Claire; Kristine (Steven) Hayden of Eau Claire and their two children, Grant (Alissa) Hayden of Sturgeon Bay and Kittrick Hayden of Winona, MN; and Kerrie Erickson of Eau Claire and her three children, Skyler Gunderson of Spring Lake, NC, and her son Rylan Gunderson of Spring Lake, NC, McKenna Gunderson and Xavier Schick, both of Eau Claire; his daughter-in-law, Becky Erickson of Gypsum, CO, and her children, Tracy (Kathleen) Erickson of Edwards, CO and Jonathan Erickson of Gypsum, CO. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Marlys, "Dolly," Gynnild of Altoona and his brother-in-law, Roderick Toycen of Colfax. Harold also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Gladys; his son, David Erickson; a grandson, Mark Erickson; his parents; Perry and Katherine; and his sister, Ona Toycen.Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2009, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire with Pastor Kurt M. Jacobson officiating. Burial will be in Upper Running Valley Lutheran Cemetery near Colfax with military graveside honors next spring. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. Family requests memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1314 E. Lexington Blvd., Eau Claire, WI 54701.

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