Reuben W. "Rick" Erickson Jr.

Reuben W. 'Rick' Erickson Jr., 83, formerly of Duluth, died Monday, Feb. 25, at his home in Sun City, Ariz. He was born on Aug. 24, 1924 in the home of his parents Reuben W. and Ruth Erickson Sr. at 31 North 56th Avenue West in Duluth. Rick attended Irving Elementary and West Junior High graduating from Denfeld High School in 1942. He immediately enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was assigned to the 100th Bomb Group in the European Theatre during World War II. He was a radio operator in a B-17 Bomber and flew in 27 missions over Germany. Returning from the War, Rick married Jerri Schafer on Aug. 16, 1947 in St. James Church in West Duluth. Rick first met Jerri in kindergarten class at Irving. Rick worked for a period for Swift and Company in downtown Duluth before joining the office staff at Western Electric. He was transferred to Oklahoma City and ultimately to Phoenix in 1967 and remained in the area until he retired. In addition to his parents, his brothers, Gordon and Howard preceded him in death. His wife Jerri of 60 plus years survives him. Other members of the family include sisters-in-law, Marian Erickson and Dorothy Tucker and many nieces and nephews. MEMORIAL SERVICE:will be held at the Peoria American Legion Post #62 on Saturday, March 29. Memorials for Rick, in lieu of flowers, can be directed to Boys State and Girls State, in care of Rick Erickson, American Legion Post #62, 9847 West Cove Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.