Virgil E. Erickson

Virgil E. Erickson, 92, of Friendship, WI and formerly of Leon, died Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Villa Pines Living Center, Friendship. He was born on March 23, 1931 in Sparta to Ole and Mary (Steel) Erickson. He grew up in the Leon area and graduated from Sparta High School in 1949.

Virgil married Mary Ann Stark on September 8, 1951 in Cashton. They moved to Milwaukee in 1957. He worked at American Can Company in Milwaukee for over 30 years. After they retired in 1989, they moved to Arkdale, WI in 1991. Mary Ann passed away in 2012.

Virgil enjoyed volunteering at St. Michael’s Hospital in Milwaukee. He started running marathons in his 40’s, and also enjoyed cutting wood and gardening.

Virgil is survived by his children, Bonnie Jean Haviland of Bethpage, TN, Mark (Sally) Erickson of Mauston, WI, Dale (Janet) Erickson of Slinger, WI, Debra Brooks of Friendship, Steven (Tammy) Erickson of Centerville, OH, and Mary Jo Erickson of Neosho, WI; 11 grandchildren, Noah, Shelly, Sandy, Christopher, Adam, Delta, Edward, Jamie, Nick, Ryan, and Dustin; 12 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ann; and 6 brothers and sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Pastor David Guerrero officiating. Burial will be in Leon Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

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