Earl Orin Erickson

Earl "Shorty" Erickson, age 95, passed away on March 11, 2017 at Ministry St Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield.Earl was born February 9, 1922 to Elmer and Olga (Jackson) Erickson at Knapp, Wisconsin. His mother died shortly after his birth and he lived with his Aunt Emma.Earl moved to Neillsville in his teens and worked for Eisentraut Farm. He hauled milk and worked on farms and the CCC until he joined the Army where he served in Japan and the South Pacific during WWII.After his discharge, he moved to Racine where he worked for Massey Harris, then at LG Arnold Construction. He moved back to Neillsville where he was a logger and farmed. He laid cable for Michael's Pipeline.He continued to farm until his retirement. He sold Christmas trees for Eisentraut Tree Farms and later enjoyed being a campground host at Mead Lake.He enjoyed traveling, watching draft horse hitches, driving his Puddle Jumper Model A, polka music and dancing.He is survived by his wife, Wilma (Palms) of 68 years. Sons, Eugene (Beatrice), Bakerville, Ernest (Peggy), Neillsville, Evan (Susan), Eau Claire, Erwin (Pete) (Karen), Neillsville. 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Sisters, Doris Braatz, Neillsville and Mildred True, Clintonville.He was predeceased by his brothers, George, James, Wallace and his sister Clara, step brother, Philip, daughters in law, Bonnie and Luann and his wife Dorothy Burt.Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Calvary Lutheran Church, Neillsville with Pastor Chad Anderson. Music will be provided by Jodi Rueth, organist. Burial will follow in the town of Grant Cemetery, with military honors performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday at the church.Casket bearers will be: Roger Erickson, Arnie Eisentraut, Kevin Erickson, Travis Erickson, Donald Erickson and James EricksonOnline Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Shorty's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456