Linda Marie Erickson, Elcho, died Sunday, March 17, 2013 at Langlade Hospital under the care of the LeRoyer Hospice. She was 56 years old. Cancer was the demon that she could not beat.
Born Jan. 28, 1957 in Sheboygan, she was a daughter of Joyce Erickson of Elcho and the late Howard Erickson. Her family moved to Elcho when she was a child and she graduated from Elcho High School in 1975.
Following graduation, she completed the medical assistant program at Concordia College in Milwaukee and worked for a variety of hospitals in the Chicago area.
Her adventurous nature led her to the Carnival Cruise Line, where she was a blackjack dealer aboard the Mardi Gras.
She later worked in Minneapolis area hospitals before she returned to the Elcho area, where she was employed by a number of area restaurants, including, most recently, the Dixie Lunch.
Ms. Erickson loved to travel, especially to the beaches of the Caribbean, and her many pets over the years, including her dogs, Harum and Zhahar and her cats, Tuddles and Casper. She was a Green Bay Packer fan, and in her days in Illinois, always followed the Chicago Blackhawks. She was also an avid reader.
She was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Elcho.
In addition to her mother, Joyce, of Elcho, survivors include three sisters, Pat Broukal of Post Lake, Mary (Tim) Rusch of Summit Lake, and Lisa (Mike) Haefs of Pelican Lake; a niece, Amanda (Nick) Schommer of Hastings, Minn.; and a great-nephew, Thomas Schommer of Hastings.
In addition to her father, Howard, she was preceded in death by her nephew, Daniel Rusch, and her brother-in-law, Greg Broukal.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Elcho with Rev. Jerome Hahn officiating. Burial will take place in Elcho Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
The family of Ms. Erickson encourages memorials to St. Luke Lutheran Church or the Langlade County Humane Society.
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Elcho, Wisconsin 54428
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Elcho, Wisconsin 54428
I met Linda when she was 19 years old and we remained good friends for a long time. In fact, we were roommates a couple of times - Once in Wausau and then in the Chicago area.
I got married in 1983; she moved to Minneapolis and we lost touch for some time. Linda phoned me about 3 years ago and I was so surprised to hear from her. The first thing she said to me was, "Nancy, I miss you!" I can't explain how happy I was to hear her voice after all those years. Linda touched my heart in so many ways. She was such a "special" person and had the smile of an angel.
I saw Linda for the last time right before Christmas and it is a memory that I'll have for the rest of my life. I'm so grateful that I had a chance to hug my special friend and tell her I loved her.
My prayers are with her wonderful family during this difficult time. I especially want to thank Mrs. Erickson for taking such good care of Linda! You are the best!
Nancy Panich
Like Susan, I also have some very fond childhood memories spent with Linda. (Old songs, such as "Indian Lake" don't play without me thinking of Linda).
My thoughts and prayers are with her loving family. May you find comfort in knowing that she is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I found out this morning that my very first best friend passed away on Sunday. We were best friends at a time when life was innocent; when 7-year-olds could climb trees and ride bikes and slide down laundry chutes... We went to band camp together two years in a row. We would have piano duels, where we would play our lesson pieces until we made a mistake and then it was the other person's turn... I always lost. ALWAYS! She was amazing! For several years we were inseparable. We began drifting apart in Junior High, although we were cheerleaders together, our interests took us in different directions. Still, the bond we formed as children would never break. I would get letters from time to time, updating me on the intense trials she faced; and I rejoiced with her when she finally said "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired!" She turned her life around, joined her childhood church and allowed herself to really LOVE people. Although we were not close in miles, she was never far from me in my heart. I will miss knowing she is there. She always was one to push the envelope and wanted to do things FIRST... I can see her on her final walk: Cancer-free and full of life, walking past the gates of hell and thumbing her nose at the devil, and strolling into Heaven and the arms of Jesus! And Linda Erickson, when He asks you "Were you loved?" You can confidently say "YES!!!!!!" I'll see you when I get there!! ♥
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