Norma Jean Erickson

Norma Jean "Jean" Erickson has passed on to eternal life on November 12, 2014. Mom was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin on January 17, 1933 to a large family. Mom graduated from Waukesha High School in 1951. She worked as an LPN until she was married on May 29, 1953 to Lester Erickson. Mom took great pride in her family and enjoyed being a stay-at-home Mom. Mom was a fantastic cook and inspired her children to emulate her cooking skills. As her children grew, Mom went back to school and received her Licensed Practical Nurse degree on December 19, 1975. She worked at the Milwaukee County Psychiatric Hospital until her retirement.Once her and Dad were retired, they moved to beautiful Clark County to be near their youngest child, Jolene, and her family. They loved looking out over the backwoods, watching the birds at the bird feeder and other wild critters. Mom particularly enjoyed growing flowers and plants on her deck.Mom was preceded in death by her mother, Lela (nee Eakens) Newbury and her father Burnis Newbury. Also her husband, Lester R. Erickson. Two brothers and two sisters also preceded Mom in death, brothers, Chuck Newbury of Mississippi and Dick Newbury of Watertown, WI and sisters, Mildred Roberts of Watertown, WI and Gladys Phillips of Pennsylvania. Grandson, Richard Charles Smith of Wahiawa, HI and great grandson, Stephen Jackson Smith III of Tacoma, WA passed before Mom also.Surviving siblings include, Goldie Steinbach of Watertown, WI, Fritzie (Ed) Wros of Sieverville, TN, Marie (Ron) Kaufman of Wahiawa, HI, Jerry (Joanne) Newbury of Arizona and Sandie (Ridge) Lindsey of North Carolina.Children: Diana L. Smith of Clarksville, TN, Robert A. (Lucy) Erickson of Melbourne, FL, Donna (Bill) Dillenburg of Antioch, IL and Jolene (Dennis) Krause of Willard, WI.Grandchildren: Stephen J. (Christine) Smith II of Clarksville, TN, Christopher (Lisa) Smith of Franklin, TN, Andy Erickson of Oregon, Troy Erickson of Portland, OR, Tracie (Jose) Alviso of Yakima, WA, Destiny Erickson of Antioch, IL, Nichole (boyfriend, Shane Slaby) of Ettrick, WI and Sarah (boyfriend, Jeff Kline) Krause of Arcardia, WI.Great Grandchildren include, Brianna and Julia Smith of Clarksville, TN, Emma, Sophie and Marcus Alviso of Washington. Justice Erickson of Antioch, IL and Leo and Lacey Krause of Ettrick, WI.The family would like to kindly thank Drs. Campbell and Moldyz whom Mom thought the world of. Also, thank you to Ministry Hospice and Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation for outstanding compassionate care. A special thank you to Jolene, Dennis and Nichole Krause for their extra loving care they have given over the years.A private family visitation was held at the Gesche Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2014. Interment will be in the Praire Home Cemetery in Waukesha at a later date.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Norma Jean's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456