Lawrence E. Erickson

ESCANABA - Lawrence E. Erickson, 93, Escanaba, passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, at St. Francis Hospital with his family at his side. He was born June 4, 1915, to the late Lee and Sadie (House) Erickson in Big Bay, Mich. On May 1, 1937 he married Doris Thomas at the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba.

Lawrence owned and operated Erickson Moving Service from 1956 until 1974, which he founded. He enjoyed many sports and was very active his entire life, riding his bike and swimming at the YMCA until a couple months ago. He loved golfing and was a member at the Highland Golf Club and was also part of the team of men that helped start Escanaba Little League Baseball in 1951.

Lawrence is survived by his four children: Rick (Joan) Erickson, Sally Jo (Dave) Briggs, Gayle (Bill) Fasching and John Erickson; eight grandchildren, Sally, Kurt, Kristen, Lori, Joe, Chuck, Heidi and Mary Beth; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years; two brothers, Lee and Wendall Erickson; and two sisters, Sadie Works and Ellen Petersen.

Friends may call from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the First Presbyterian Church in Escanaba. A funeral service to celebrate Lawrence Erickson's life will follow visitation at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the church with Rev. Scott White officiating. A luncheon will follow services in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

In living memory of Lawrence, a tree will be planted in a Michigan state forest.