Glenn Walton Erickson

1943 - 2021

Glenn Walton Erickson
Canyon Lake, TX
October 15, 1943 - June 23, 2021
Glenn Walton Erickson, 77, of Canyon Lake, TX, passed away on June 23, 2021 at Brookdale Senior Living community in New Braunfels, TX of a long-term illness.
He was born in Manistee, MI, on October 15th, 1943, son of the late Walton Erickson and Marguerite Scheppelman. He is survived by his four sons and their spouses, Steve and Veronica Erickson; Wayne and Cristy Erickson; Dean and Nannette Erickson; Paul "J.P." and Susanna Erickson. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Cristopher (Salissa), Tyler, Colton, Ryan, Elaina and Nathan; two great grandchildren, Jace and Kylie; two brothers and their spouses, Alan and Cheri Erickson and Ron and Donah Erickson, one sister, Linda and Ralph Murphy; and seven nephews and nieces and Mike and Jennifer Mishler, Scott, Julie and Michelle Erickson Ryan, Marie Abarca and Treasa Kosanke.
Glenn graduated from Michigan State University in 1965 and worked for General Motors, achieving the honor of being named the youngest General Foreman in the history of the company during the era. From there, he moved into sales primarily in the automobile industry and built a thriving business focusing on sales training and leadership seminars. He worked with well-known speakers like Jackie Cooper and accumulated numerous awards for his efforts.
No matter where he lived, he worked in his community for the betterment of others. When he found Optimist International, he found a home. While living in Central Florida, he became the last of the distinguished Governors over the entire state in '84-'85 before it split into Northern and Southern Districts. He exuded the motto "Friend of Youth" as he spoke about the Octagon Club and Junior Optimist Club kids, as though they were his own. He was the founding member of the Canyon Lake Optimist Club, the last of innumerable clubs he started.
He was a lifelong Michigan State Spartans fan and told stories of days in his dorm with All-American players like Bubba Smith while attending his alma mater in 1965.
Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday July 7, 2021 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with interment to follow at the Aetna Township Cemetery in Morley. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Following the interment there will be a luncheon reception, in the banquet hall, at the Big Rapids Eagles Aeries 2535, 18361 16 Mile Rd, Big Rapids from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Glenn W. Erickson to the Walton Erickson Public Library, 4808 Northland Dr, Morley, MI 49336.
Share a memory, condolence or photo with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com