Grant John Erickson

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at 11:13 a.m., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Grant John Erickson, entered into eternal rest at the VA Hospice Center in Richmond, VA, at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Jessica Joy. He was a gentle and peaceful man who loved nothing more than creating beautiful and lasting memories for his beloved wife, Wanda; his children, David Erickson (Susan) and Jillian Smith (Jason); and his grandchildren, Chloe Erickson and Gracelyn Smith. They, in turn, adored him.

After graduating from Ontonagon High School in Ontonagon, MI, where he excelled at art, Grant enlisted into the United States Army. Being the country boy that he was, he aced his basic training, qualifying as the number one marksman in his class. He enjoyed his leave in Michigan before he and his wife moved to Freehold, NJ. In 1969-1970, he spent a year in Vietnam. Upon his return, he served his time at Fort Lee, VA, working at Brown and Williamson in Petersburg, VA and AT&T on Laburnum.

Grant John was the only son of Jennie and John Erickson and a wonderful son-in-law to Grace and James Maxfield. His brothers Eino Mannikko (Marcy) and Matt Mannikko (Paula), and his sister, Doris Saari (Bob) were very special, indeed. They taught him the necessities of life- riding motorcycles, working on cars, playing baseball, building cabins, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, choosing a good wine, visiting before drive-in movies, and so much more. (Of course, some of his good friends like Dennis, Brian, and Frankie chipped in.)

Grant, Daddy, Pop Pop, and Papa/Popsie, we will love you forever.

Arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.