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Lief Erickson Obituary

Erickson, Lief Sr. Dr. Age 88. Not too many people noticed when a little boy was born on June 5, 1922, in Gillett, WI, to the pharmacist, Lief Erickson and the former Gerda Mueller. Lief's father died when he was four; his mother married Roy Wagner when Lief was in eighth grade. Some people noticed when Lief's Tigerton High School basketball team went to state (coming up short, 14 to 5). But then Lief served as a medic in the South Pacific during World War II and went to medical school on the GI Bill. He met and married Betty (nee Elizabeth Smith) of Gillett on December 8, 1945. He called that "the best decision I've ever made in my life." Lief did his residency at Milwaukee County and moved to Burlington in 1950 to buy "old Doc Bennett's practice." From his start in solo practice in rooms above the barbershop on Pine Street, he went on to found The Burlington Clinic with three partners. After a couple of expansions, the Clinic merged with Aurora Healthcare, joined the hospital in a construction project and was greatly expanded. During this time his family also expanded to four sons and two daughters. When the American Board of Family Practice was established, Dr. Lief was among the first group to pass the boards and become a specialist. He retired from clinic practice when he turned 80 in 2002. (A lot of people noticed that.) In 1998 Lief wrote in a letter to Aurora Healthcare, "I love having lived in the time that we treated many patients and made innumerable house calls, my first one with a horse and cutter. In return I received chickens, eggs and happy family responses. To me, I have accomplished most of my goals. The only one remaining is to be able to continue my nursing home visits and become involved in hospice." Up until he was hospitalized on July 31st, Lief worked nearly full-time as a geriatric physician, seeing 200 nursing home patients each month and serving as medical director for VNA Hospice and several nursing homes. When Dr. Lief died peacefully at home on the morning of August 27th, it was in the best hospice tradition. Mission accomplished, and then some. Lief has had many awards and honors, among them past president of the Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians and WAFP Physician of the Year in 1987. He was honored for 45 years of membership in the AAFP and for 50 years in the State Medical Society in 2000, got a distinguished service award from the Burlington Rescue Squad, and he was the 2003 Burlington Masonic Citizen of the Year. It was Dr. Lief, Dr. Laird McNeel and Roy McConnell who were the driving force behind the formation of the Burlington Little League back in 1959. When the Little League team lost their sponsorship this year, Lief sponsored the team himself. Lief said many times that his greatest accomplishment was his family. He leaves behind the love of his life, Betty. Children; Dr. Lief Jr. (Trudy), (Chris with Janae, Brad with Patty, Berkley and Geneva, Lief III with Emily, and Elizabeth with friend Camille); Lynne (Tom); Scott (friend Linda), (Susan, Jesse with friend Helea and Abbey with friend Ryan); Chris (Julie), (Christin with Ryan and Avery and Kendall, Ashley with Jack and Whitney, Steve with Allison and Emma, Jeff with Patti, and Scott with friend Melissa); Eric (Bonnie) and Maren (Brian), (Kara and Shelby). The family will gather from 2:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, August 29, at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home in Burlington. A memorial celebration will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 30, at the Veterans Terrace in Burlington. A scattering of ashes will take place later. Memorial suggestions are to Dr. Erickson's favorite charities: VNA Hospice, 500 Interchange North, Lake Geneva, WI 53147; Burlington United Methodist Church, 857 W. State St., Burlington, WI 53147 or Gillett Area Historical Society, 110 W. Main St., Gillett, WI 54124. (Dr. Erickson was born in Gillett; their museum is in the home where Betty was born and her family lived until 1993.) Dr. Erickson made only one specific request for his memorial service. He chose a favorite Bill Gaither song, "If I Can Help Somebody (My Living Shall Not Be in Vain)." It could have been written for him. Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory 625 Browns Lake Dr. Burlington, WI 53105 262-763-3434 www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Aug. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lief Erickson

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Jeri (Salbashian) Davis

September 6, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Patty Kerkman-Luchtman

September 3, 2010

Dear Erickson family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Believe me I know how you feel! When we are so blessed to know such good men, as your Father and "Mr. Brown" it is difficult to accept their passing. Know that we will see our loved ones again,"you can bet on it!" as Brown would say.You are all in my prayers. GOD give you strength and comfort always.
Thinking of you,

Rita Tenhagen

September 2, 2010

Dear Betty, My special THOUGHTS are with you & family. I know you will miss doc so very much as I have missed MY Fritz since Janurary Doc has done so much for us & so many people in his life time. He was in so many generations down the line. What a wonderful memory BLESS DOC & YOU for your friendship & understanding .
Love & Prayers
Rita {Weber} Tenhagen
Burlington Wi,

Erica Yopp

September 1, 2010

I am deeply saddened by Dr. Erickson's passing. I worked with him for years until he retired. He was a wonderful and caring man. He had a smile that would light up a room. He'd give me candy out of his lab coat pocket whenever I helped him with something. I remember when they were having cake for his birthday and I went in to wish him a "Happy Birthday". I told him that I was honored to share the same birthday as him. He told me "well Happy Birthday, grab a piece of cake and come sit with me". He was truly a diamond in the rough. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Jane Swanke

September 1, 2010

Dear Betty...I just spoke to my mom, Ruth Way, and she told me my cousin had read that Lief just passed away. She felt so terrible....I asked her if she would like to dictate something to the Guestbook online, but she declined and said she would rather write you a note. She just turned 93 and is doing quite well, considering lots of broken bones and aches and pains from old age. She still lives in her own condo in McFarland and sings in a chorus and shops for groceries and pharmaceuticals and goes to the PO, all within blocks of her home. I do believe she will get a card and write to you. But I, too, wanted to give you and your family my sympathy. You perhaps don't remember, but shortly after John and I were married John had a job interview in Burlington and Mom talked me into coming to visit you. I remember how hospitable you were and will always remember how you showed me your kitchen.....you had re-done the kitchen cupboard doors with contact paper and it was a beautiful job! I was so impressed! It's quite a long time ago, as John and I will be married for 45 years in November! I just remember so many stories Mom and Dad told about you and Lief living next door to them in the apartments, and what fun you had together. Both John and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family....we've seen many pictures of you all in Christmas cards through the years. I am sure you will be hearing from Mom......

Sincerely,
Jane Way Swanke

Judy Binning

September 1, 2010

Dr Erickson helped a scared little girl in 1955 who had gotten Rheumatic Fever get over crying each week she had to have blood drawn, by placing a 50 cent piece on her tummy. She could have it if she didn't cry. Wow it worked. She grew up without any heart trouble. Thanks Doc. May you be at peace in God's loving hands. Judy Binning, Whitewater WI

Connie King

September 1, 2010

Dr. Erickson, you will be missed. You were my first doctor when my family moved into the Burlington area over 35 years ago--and you always treated me well. You had a sense of humor, were polite, yet asked the right questions of a scared young girl so you could help her. Thank you for taking care of me so well and also for talking care of my family. We all appreciated you--and have thought about you many times over the years.
My prayers are with the Erickson family in your time of sorrow. Dr. "E" was definitely a "keeper."
Connie (Guntharp) King

Donna S

September 1, 2010

Erickson Family, I was so proud to have worked at the clinic and to have know Dr. Erickson Sr. He always had a smile on his face a joke to tell and a kind word to say. Always made me smile and look at life with a song in my heart and put a beat in my step. Its nice to know that his kindness and gentleness was passed down to his family. He will always be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

Lucille (Liz) & Don Page

August 31, 2010

Dear Betty and family,
Although you probably do not remember me, my husband and I were Dr Erickson's patients and had other contact with you as well over the years. Years ago when I was a "young" girl I worked as a nurse's aid with that group of wondeful doctors and it was at that time that one of your sons was ill and I volunteered to sit with him thru the nite for a few nites. Years later as my family grew I did upholstery work and did a few pieces for you. Doctor was interested in my hobby and gave me quite a selection of his "tacks and nails" to help me out. I still have that collection.
Upon the death of my life long doctor, Dr Granzeau I was transferred to Dr Erickson and was under his care until his retirement. There will never be a group of doctors such as I worked with who did more than just hand out a pill or order tests. They cared and were interested in family and wellbeing and you felt they were your caring friend as well. I am saddened by Dr Ericksons death and feel your loss as well. He would not want you to be sad for him. He lead a very productive life that was well and fully lived. God bless and keep you and your family well and happy. Liz and Don Page

Stormy and Sharon Grumbeck

August 30, 2010

Dear Betty and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of "Doc's" passing. Word has just reached us tonight(Monday). Not only was he a friend of mom and dad's, and our family Doctor, but he was a friend to us. I'll never forget when I learned that we were expecting our first child I called "Doc's" office to see if he would help see me through my pregnancy. His office told me that he was no longer taking on maternity patients. So as not to bother him, I looked elsewhere. When news traveled back to him he let me know that not only would he deliver the baby, but he would hold my hand all night till the baby was born. He held my hand through many more tough times and good times after that. He was the best! He will be greatly missed by the whole Grumbeck family. We share in your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God Bless!

August 30, 2010

Dear Betty and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear of "Docs" passing. The sad news reached us just tonight(Monday). I am so sorry. He was such a wonderful man. Not only was he Mom and Dad's friend and our family doctor for years but, our friend!!! I remember when we found out that we were going to have our first born. I called the office and asked for him to see me through my pregnancy. He had just retired from that part of the practice and they let me know that. So as not to bother him I went on and looked for someone else. Word later traveled back to him and his reply was you tell her that not only will I deliver her baby but, I will sit up all night with her and hold her hand until that baby is born. He held my hand through many tough times and happy times after that. He will be greatly missed!!! Please call if I or we can be of any help. Betty we hold both you and the rest of your family in hearts and prayers. We all share in your sorrow. God Bless!

Mal & Sue Wayne

August 30, 2010

Although we left Burlington in 1986 we'll never forget what a super person and excellent doctor to our family Dr. Erickson was. He was our family physician for almost 20 years. Our entire family, the Waynes from Paradise Valley, send our heartfelt sympathy to you, Betty, and your family. He's in a great place and we know he's still got that never-ending smile on his wonderful face.

Dean and Rhonda Anderson

August 30, 2010

What a life and what a truly moving and fitting Celebration of Life we were privileged to attend this afternoon. You can be sure he would have truly enjoyed the service and the moving tributes both in word and song. You are in our thoughts and prayers now and as you continue to grieve for your dear husband, father, and grandfather. If you should need anything, please don't hesitate to call Dean either at home or at his office.

August 30, 2010

To the Erickson family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Dr. Erickson will be remembered for his wonderful committment to Hospice.
Aurora Visiting Nurse Association Metro Home Hospice program.

August 30, 2010

What a blessing. Heaven is dancing a joyful dance.

August 30, 2010

(To the Erickson familey ) Doc was a great friend and doctor to the Davidson and Schmook families going all the way to when he first opened his practice. He will be missed.
Bob and Harry Schmook

August 30, 2010

Dr. Erickson Sr. was a compassionate doctor. I remember when my mom was in her last hours. He visited her and said his good byes to her. So now with much saddness my good byes to you my friend.

Addie Weber's Family

August 30, 2010

Grandma Addie Weber always said "Doc Erickson is a Saint", and he said she was a blessing. We will always miss them both. Find comfort in knowing he was a "SAINT" to all he comforted in hard times, and was a friend, not just a doctor, to all who came to him for help. We share in your sorrow.

August 30, 2010

Dear Betty and family:
I am sorry for your loss and pray for all of you. I feel so privileged to have worked with "Doc" all those years at the clinic and hospital.

Diane Anderson-Cecil, WI

Nicole Petersen

August 29, 2010

To the family: May you draw strength from each other in the days to come and from the Holy Scriptures. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort." (1 Cortinthians 1:3)

August 29, 2010

What a great man, I'm sorry for your loss with my prayers for all of you.

Bob and Cindy Agner

August 29, 2010

Eric and Mari - we are so sorry for your loss.

Heidi and Andy Paquette

August 29, 2010

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ginny Rohan

August 28, 2010

We will miss you Doc.

Susan Toll

August 28, 2010

So very sorry to learn of Dr. Erickson's passing. My prayers are with you all.

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