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Stanley Erickson Obituary
Stanley Nels Erickson passed away at his home in Appleton at age 61, Friday, June 19th, 2015. He left behind his younger brother, James Erickson, sister, Andrea (Erickson) Ziegler, his nieces, nephews and his extended family of friends in Appleton and around the world, who will miss him incredibly. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Dallas and Ruth (Krummenacher) Erickson.
In life Stanley was a poet, genius, "true" storyteller, world traveler, lover of music and friend to many. He left us too soon. Stan, a giant of a man, was a presence that could not be ignored. A rich man that died penniless. Stanley opposed responsibility, and decided that the most appropriate career choice would be to own a used record store. The New Frontier Record Exchange is where he met and influenced countless others. To many, it was the place to go to learn of an upcoming show, to be introduced to new music, to engage in friendly conversation, have a political discussion, or to just talk silly and hang out. Anyone that knew Stan remembers him sitting in that ratty old chair working on the New York Times crossword puzzle, and telling you what you should be listening to. Always a gracious friend, Stan would repay a favor with a mix tape or CD adorned with his hand made cover art and written in his unique handwriting. Before there was Google there was Stan. If you had a question about anything, you went to Stan. He had the answer. He knew everything.
Somewhere there is a bar, where the whiskey is free, the music is always good, the company intelligent and witty. There's a good movie on the television if the Packers aren't playing and Jeopardy! is over. Stan has the best stool in the dive waiting for the rest of the gang to show up. So, Stanley, save us a barstool, order a round and we'll see you soon, buddy. We can't wait for the day.
There will be a Memorial and Celebration of Life for Stanley on what would have been his 62nd Birthday Friday, July 17th, 2015 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be held at the Lawrence University Memorial Hall's Viking Room. 711 E. Boldt Way, Appleton WI.
For those that can't attend, Stan would love to know that you cued up that favorite record and raised a glass in memory of him. Sing along, maybe even dance a little.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Erickson
Pat Cunningham
July 24, 2015
I just heard about Stan's passing. When I was in the third grade, our family moved to Michigan for a year where my father was a visiting professor at the University of Michigan, and we rented our house to his parents. We always joked that when we returned, every knob in the house was gone. Their kids unscrewed every thing that could unscrew, and we had to replace most of the knobs and handles.
Having them in our house for a year created a connection between our families, and because of that history, Stan and I were always friends. I really loved the guy, and like quite a few Appleton natives from that era, he was an original. We had a certain bond, and even though we didn't hang out that much, he was special to me. Every time we would see each other, our eyes would light up in a subtle way. The way you feel about family.
Stan could talk to anyone about anything and he had a brilliant mind for detail. He took music appreciation to a new level. Happy hunting, Stan, I hope we meet again.
Janel J
July 21, 2015
RIP Stan, always the conversationalist at Pat's Tap or Jim's Place. Memories that will not be forgotten.
Ralph Borzyczkowski
July 18, 2015
I first met Stan in 1971 when he turned me on to the Great Midwest Trivia Contest. For that alone, I owe a lifetime debt. And who among us hasn't enjoyed Stan's musical influence? I thank him for dozens of suggestions, foremost among them John Hiatt and Robbie Fulks. We went to a lot of concerts together, and Stan had the tapes to prove it.
I'll remember Stan for his Cheshire grin, and his guttural chuckle that was contagious. He never sought the spotlight, yet was always integral to the goings on.
Stan, I love you and I'll miss you and you will never be forgotten.
Warmest regards and sincere condolences to his family.
Tom Tillman
July 16, 2015
The definitive local legend. You will be missed Stan.
Jean Whitehead
July 15, 2015
We had fun always. Whaaat a cool guy. I have a gazillion memories of good times with stan. I remember him visiting us in london on his way home from switzerland and exclaiming that his relatives in the alps had great food and slept under thick down featherbeds in july and were sturdy folk. Appleton won't be the same. Love to jimmy and andrea,
jean whitehead and walker
ps I didn't know jimmy murphy passed as well...whoa these guys are all my age.
Emily Mannick
July 15, 2015
Thinking of you Stan...you will be missed...
Deb Wamser
July 14, 2015
I am sad to hear of Stan's passing, he sure was a great guy. He made us CDs when I lived in Appleton and we watched many a Jeopardy! games as well. He also let us stay at his place in Three Lakes.
Cheers to you Stan
Marshall Hembree
July 13, 2015
Many good times with Stan. Spent many late nights in Appleton having beers with Stan in my youth at Jim's Place. He was not just a good friend, but a mentor in my life who will never be forgotten . Marshall
Bill Coan
July 13, 2015
Questions, Answers, and Notes in tribute to Stan Erickson
Which rock group in 1967 had a #1 hit song called "Happy Together"?
The answer, as anyone born in the early 1950s can tell you, is "The Turtles."
What song was recorded on the "B" side of "Happy Together"?
The answer, as only Stan Erickson could tell you, was a song written by Warren Zevon, called "Like the Seasons."
NOTE: Stan also could tell you that the same Zevon song can be found on the "B" side of "Can I Get to Know You Better," the single released by The Turtles a few months before they released "Happy Together," the only occasion when The Turtles or any other major rock band released two back-to-back singles with identical "B" sides.
How do you pronounce the last name of Robert M. Pirsig, the man who wrote "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"?
Stan's answer, delivered instantly, would be "PEER-sig." If anyone cared to argue, Stan could cite no less an authority than Pirsig himself, whom Stan met in Mexico in the mid-1970s.
How long did Stan wait to begin reading "Infinite Jest," David Foster Wallace's 1000+ page novel with nearly 200 pages of end notes?
Only long enough to get his hands on it. Nearly fifteen years after that, his memories of the novel were still so vivid that he was able to dazzle new readers of the novel with his recall of character names, plot points, and themes.
What will you miss most: the Menasha Hotel, or the monthly blues jam sessions held there, at which Stan would sit in rapt attention during songs, applaud enthusiastically between songs, and sometimes, after the applause had died down, call out "Let's hear it for the drummer!" or "Go bass man!" and initiate an entirely new round of applause?
If you can't answer this last question, you never met Stan Erickson. To meet him even only on a few occasions, as I did, was to like him, to admire him, and to crave his company. I will miss him.
Daniel Skon
July 13, 2015
Sad to hear of Stan's passing. An Appleton fixture who was always ready to talk music over a few drinks. Thanks for all the good memories.
bob fusfeld
July 12, 2015
Long may you run, Stan...you brought listening pleasure to my ears...you always had a copy of an obscure bootleg...when you and fred closed your green bay store...appleton was not too far away...when you sit down with the possum, hank, waylon...they will too be amazed at your incredible wit and knowledge...freedom has lost a good one...
Diane Lange
July 9, 2015
Warm regards to Jimmy, Andrea and family. We will join you on the 17th, but you are in our thoughts this day. Diane & Garv
barbara Burton
July 9, 2015
Stan and I talked music just a few weeks ago at Jimmy Murphy's memorial service. It will be strange not seeing him at concerts.
Brian Lewis
July 8, 2015
Rest easy old friend. Around you all of us had great fun, always...
Noreen Thomas
July 8, 2015
Always a smile and the right answer from my friend. Rest in peace music man.
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