John S. Ericksen

September 21, 2025, the patriarch of the Ericksen household left this worldly place for his heavenly home, with his family by his side.

John S. Ericksen was born December 24, 1953, in Conneaut, OH, to John and Sara (Hews) Ericksen. He attended Conneaut schools through middle school, then his family moved to Warren, OH. He graduated from Howland High School in 1972. John then returned to Conneaut and was employed by the Conneaut Police Department until 1979 at which time he started working at the Ashtabula Bow Socket. His employment then took him to various positions as the factories all seemed to close while he was there. In 1982 John returned to school attending KSU-Ashtabula receiving an Associate Degree in Accounting in 1985, then Edinboro University of PA, graduating Cum Laude in May of 1991. John used to tease he was a 'Jack of all trades' holding many jobs over the years. He officially retired from accounting in January 2016 but kept up his skills working for his son Joe at Heavenly Creamery.

Of all the positions John held over the years his favorite ones were husband, father and grandfather. Supporting his family's activities no matter what they were. Always ready to help the kids, family members or friends whenever/wherever needed. John enjoyed people. No one was a stranger for long. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends; often smoking ribs, frying turkeys or making "grandpas world famous spaghetti sauce" (per grandson Brandon). He had a love of guitars, and the last few years had the opportunity to build an acoustic guitar from design to finished project, and two kit guitars, with Oakey Emery. John loved traveling – especially to NC or wherever the kids were. He loved going to battlefield sites wherever he could find them. He enjoyed his two trips to Italy and had hoped to return to Rome one day. A history buff, he loved to watch historic documentaries, and he loved motorcycles. His favorite ride was to skyline drive and Gettysburg for their 25th anniversary, riding separate cycles and meeting people from all over. He was amazed at how many people talk to you when you're on a motorcycle ride. A lover of animals he looked forward to cuddle times with Holly and grand-puppy Bean.

John married Barb (Ozolek) Ericksen at St. Mary's Church in Conneaut, September 18, 1976. Besides his wife John is survived by his children; Tom (TJ) & Nikki Ericksen of Youngstown, Joe & Chrissy Ericksen of Conneaut, Kristen & Dave Miller of Gastonia, NC. His beloved grandchildren Brandon & Ethan Ericksen of Youngstown, and Abigail & Donovan Miller of Gastonia. He is also survived by his brother Lief Ericksen of Parma Heights, OH, brother-in-law Patrick Reich of Washington State, many cousins and his 'baby girl schnauzer' Holly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Thomine Ericksen Reich, maternal grandparents T.H. and Alice Hews, paternal grandparents Eric and Ruby Ericksen, several aunts, uncles, cousins and his in-laws Walt and Theresa (Zappitelli) Ozolek.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Raisian Family Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St. Conneaut, OH 44030.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Parish, Mother Cabrini Church, Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

Memorial contributions can be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, or Hospice of the Western Reserve. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.