William J. Erickson
William Joseph “Billy Joe” Erickson, of Polson, MT died at St. Joseph Medical Center early on Sunday, March 7, 2010
He was born on August 26, 1931 in Kalispell, MT to Joseph and Nellie (Brown) Erickson. Bill moved to Polson when he was in grade school and graduated from Polson High School in 1950. He attended the college of Puget Sound for one year then transferred to the University of Montana, but joined the Navy in 1952 before graduating. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1956 as an Aerographer, 1st Class.
In 1952, Bill married Arlene Hern. Bill and Arlene moved to Seattle in 1962 where Bill was a cost accountant for the Austin Company, and later, Fenton Industries. In 1973, they returned to Polson where he became a real estate broker. He also served for a period on the board of Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.
Bill’s greatest passion was singing. He sang in high school, college, and the Navy and was a tenor for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir. He loved the game of golf, and after retiring, rarely missed a day on the course. He was an avid reader, he dabbled in photography and painting, and when her was younger he enjoyed building model ships and airplanes.
Bill was well known for his mischievous wit and good sense of humor. All will miss the sound of his laugh.
His parents, Joseph and Nellie, and a sister, Elaine, who died at birth, preceded Bill in death.
Survivors include his wife Arlene Erickson, and daughters, Jan (Allen) Woodard of Seattle, WA and Jill (David) Spear of Polson.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 409 4th Ave. E., Polson. Memorials can be made in his memory to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Erickson’s family.
Dear Arlene,
We were sorry to get word of Bill’s death and want you to know that you’re in our prayers. We are in Bismarck with Bob’s mom, Elsie, because she has cancer. We are sorry that we maybe won’t be there for the service if you have it this week.
God bless you and your family and may you feel God’s presence and love in this difficult time.
Love, Marty and Bob
Dear Arlene, Jan and Jill,
I just got an e-mail from Bill Welch informing me of your loss. I’m sad to hear the news. Please call if there’s anything I can do to help. I think of you guy’s often.
Love, Mike
Arlene,
I’m so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. My mom, Edna, always made it a point to ask about you two during our visits. She told us some great stories of growing up with you and the gang on Minesinger Trail. I wish you comfort in the days ahead.
Kim Iliff McClain
Arlene, I will miss Bill on the golf course this summer. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
May I send my deepest thoughts to the wonderful Erickson family, and speak of my sadness to just open the paper and read about the life of Mr. William J. Erickson. I had the utmost respect for him, a man so very blessed with such a kind, joyous, and wonderful family. This respect came from his good fortune in being with so very uniquely pleasant people in whom I think of often. May God bless you Arlene, the most pleasant person I’ve ever known…………………….David Wigton
Arlene,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was such a nice guy. It’s hard for me to realize that when I come home in May he won’t be there singing behind me. All my love,
Marty Corse
Sun City West, Arizona
Please accept my condolences. I understand this is a difficult time for family and friends. It is truly encouraging to know that God really cares for bereaved ones. Psalm 146:9 states “…the fatherless boy and widow he relieves’. God does not plan for us to suffer from sickness and death forever. He promises that one day he will ’swallow up death forever’ (Isaiah 25:8,9) and “No resident will say ‘I am sick’” (Isaiah 33:24). We will also have the opportunity to be reunited with our loved ones. According to Acts 24:15 there will be a resurrection. This hope brings me comfort, strength & encouragement. I have faith in all of the above because Titus 1:2,3 tells us that God can not lie. May these words bring you comfort, strength and encouragement also.
Arlene & family, Just know we are keeping you in our prayers.
Dear Arlene, Jan, Jill and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have wonderful memories living across from Bill and you. We think of you and wonder how you are. Bill will be missed. God bless you and may he hold you and comfort you in these hard times.