Rev. John R. Ericksen

Rev. John R. Ericksen, 91, of Chippewa Falls passed away on December 18, 2025.

John was born on June 20, 1934, in Minneapolis, MN. He was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, attended Patrick Henry High School, and spent summers lifeguarding at pools and beaches, becoming an excellent swimmer and diver.

He attended Luther College where he met Ahna Marie Paulsrud, who became his championship badminton partner, and then his life partner for 67 years. He attended Luther Seminary, and served churches in Prairie Farm, WI and Oconto Falls, WI in the late 1960s, before bringing his family to Chippewa Falls, WI in 1970. Here, he served the congregation at Central Lutheran for 27 years. Pastor John was well-loved by the congregation, and was a trusted advisor and confidant of many, mentoring a number of young pastors, and inspiring many in their faith.

John and Ahna Marie raised their three children on Chippewa’s West Hill, supporting them in scouting, athletics, school, and other activities. He was always supportive of his children and would do anything for them.

Upon retiring in 1996, John and Ahna Marie would spend the ensuing 23 winters in Arizona, first in Tucson, where they helped babysit their granddaughters, then in Casa Grande, where their house on a golf course, and great friends nearby, were a welcome escape from Wisconsin winters.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Katherine (Juul) Ericksen; and siblings, Joel (Judy) Ericksen and Mary (Gary) Skundberg.

He will be remembered fondly by his survivors, his wife, Ahna Marie (Paulsrud) Ericksen; children, Philip (Sandy) Ericksen, Paul Ericksen and Susan Ali; grandchildren, Jacob Ericksen, Amani Ali, Kalen Ali, Tyce Ali; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 noon on Monday, February 9, 2026, Central Lutheran Church with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. Rev. Aaron Sturgis will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Agnes' Table 611 Jefferson Ave, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 or Luther Park Bible Camp 944 24 1/4 St., Chetek, Wisconsin 54728.