Glenn "Gus" Erickson Obituary (1931

Glenn "Gus" N. Erickson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 13, 2021, in Sparta, WI. Gus lived a very long & healthy 90 years. He was born on April 25, 1931, in the Town of Sigel to Alfred and Ebba (Larson) Erickson. Gus was a truly patriotic young man enlisting in the US Army and then later joining the US Coast Guard. He often spoke about his adventures in the military. Gus was honored and proud to be a part of the American Legion Post 485 in Rudolph serving as Sergeant at Arms and as the Firing Squad Leader. He also belonged to the VFW Post 2534. Anytime a military funeral or ceremony was needed, Gus was always the first to volunteer his services. We were so proud of seeing our father in his uniform, walking straight, proud, and standing at attention honoring the American flag. Every time we see the American flag, we will remember the love our dad showed for our country. He was such an inspiration to all of us that 3 of his sons followed in his footsteps enlisting in the US military. In 2016, Gus was honored to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington DC, along with his brothers Ozzie and Gary. This was such a special event as 3 brothers who served in the military were able to attend this solemn event together. Our local TV station interviewed the 3 brothers with Gus giving us a colorful play-by-play analysis of the times and events of military life. After his time in the service, he went to work for Consolidated Papers, Inc. never missing a day of work, retiring with over 40 years of service. Gus married Elaine (Kester) Schneider and together they had 4 children: Mitchell, John, Glenda and Kirk. Gus was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Sigel where he was baptized. As part of the congregation, Gus enjoyed making pasties and as a member of the Men of Bethany, he was known for cooking up some of the best pancakes in Wood County! He was also a meticulous groundskeeper and bell ringer for the church. Gus was a proud member of the NRA and an avid gun collector all of his life. Gus enjoyed attending the EAA in Oshkosh. He loved his Los Angeles Rams, LA Dodgers, traveling out West and to military bases his sons were stationed at. He was a lifelong blood donor giving over 24 gallons! Spending time with family and watching his grandson, Lukas, grow were the highlights of his life. Gus leaves behind his children: Mitchell, John (Rai Simonson), Glenda (Mark Roberts), and Kirk (Heather); grandson, Lukas; stepchildren: Douglas (June) Schneider, Cynthia (Wayne) Kapellusch, LaWanda Schneider and Sheila Schneider; one sister, Mary Zimmerman; 2 brothers, Gary (Michaleen) and Tom (Cindy); sister-in-law, Loretta Erickson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his former wife, Elaine; one sister, Rachel Schneider; 6 brothers: Richard, Marvin, Oscar, James, Robert and Alvin. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 21, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Joyce Heintz leading the service at 11:00 a.m. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Remember Dad - don't take any wooden nickels! We love you!