MUNISING — Richard T. Erickson, 90, of Munising, died Monday, March 3, 2008, at the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.

He was born on March 26, 1917, in Gladstone, to the late Theodore and Anna Erickson.

Richard graduated from Gladstone High School in 1935 and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. He then went to Officer Candidate School and became and officer in the CCC.

Richard began working at the Munising Paper Mill on July 6, 1942, and retired from Kimberly-Clark on Jan. 1, 1981.

In 1943, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Richard was proud to be one of five siblings in his family to have served during World War II along with his three brothers and one sister. Upon his completion in the Marines, he joined the U.S. Navy Air Corp Reserves. Then in 1960, he transferred to the Michigan National Guard, which he retired from in 1977.

Richard was an active member in the American Legion Post 131 where he was the post commander, adjunct, a member of the drill team, and served in several other posts. He was the chairman of many Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day programs. Richard also was the service officer at the American Legion and later served as the veteran counselor for Alger County for many years.

He also enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.

Richard is survived by: his three sons, Richard David (Mary) Erickson of Munising, Ronald (Eileen), and Michael Erickson, both of Chatham; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Betty) Erickson of Escanaba, and Theodore (Betty) Erickson of Gladstone; sister, Thelma Cannon of Royal Oak, Mich.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl and Marv Erickson; daughter, Gloria Mahon; and brother-in-law, Ken Cannon.

There will be visitation time from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, March 7, at the Bowerman Funeral Home.

Richard’s funeral will be at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel on Saturday, beginning with military honors by the members of the American Legion Post 131 and Alger County Veterans Council, immediately followed by Rev. Dr. Lynn Hubbard of Eden Lutheran Church.

Rest In Peace, Richard. May GOD bless you and yours always.

Semper Fidelis,
Thia