Carol J. Erickson

1939 - 2026

Watertown, WI - Carol J. Erickson, 86, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026.

Carol Jane Rasmussen was born June 16, 1939, to Howard and Dorothy (Wills) Rasmussen. Carol married Harry E. Erickson on June 14, 1968, at The Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. He preceded her in death in 1994.

Carol graduated in 1957 from Chippewa Falls High School and from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education. She taught elementary music in Rice Lake and Watertown, and retired in 2004 after working for the Watertown Unified School District as a secretary at Riverside Middle School for 37 years.

Carol served as organist in the Methodist churches in Chippewa Falls, Rice Lake, and Watertown for over 70 years. She was a private piano and organ teacher for 50 years. Carol was a piano accompanist for various choirs in the Watertown school system, Euterpe Music Club Chorus, Watertown Players, and numerous high school instrumental soloists. She also volunteered sing-along music at Marquardt Memorial Manor, Zinzendorf Hall, and Riverwood Assisted Living, and drove for Meals on Wheels.

Carol was an active member of Christ United Methodist Church. She enjoyed music, crafts, traveling, and playing cards with friends.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Eryn (Zachary) Durlam; grandsons, Noah and Micah Durlam; and several cousins. Carol was also surrounded by many loving friends from Watertown and the surrounding area who were like family to her.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church with Rev. Young Tae Lee officiating. To celebrate Carol's life and favorite color, the family requests that those attending wear a touch of purple. Please join for an ice cream sundae reception immediately following the ceremony. A private burial will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown. Memorials, if desired, may be directed to the church or the Public School Music Scholarship Fund. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.