Stanton Ericson

STANTON D. ERICSON, 83 ROCKFORD - Stanton D. Ericson, 83, of Rockford died of Alzheimer's disease Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012, at Anam Care. Born March 19, 1929, in Rockford, son of Eric W. and Agnes (Hoaglund) Ericson. Graduated from Rockford East High School in 1946, and the University of Illinois College of Commerce in 1950. From 1950 to1953, he served in the U.S. Navy as Lieutenant JG. On July 4, 1954, he married Claire Sturzenegger in Norfolk, Va. He worked 27 years for Sundstrand Corporation, where he became the manager of information systems. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf and volunteering at the Swedish Historical Society, where he was a lifetime member. Anything related to the U.S. Navy was of great interest to him. He looked forward to the reunions of the USS Henrico and the USS Philippine Sea, the aircraft carriers to which he was assigned during the Korean War. The highlight of his travels was a trip to Sweden where he visited his father's homestead and the little schoolhouse his father attended. He loved identifying birds by their calls in his wildflower garden on Council Crest Drive. Most of all, Stan loved spending time with his family. He had a great sense of humor and was blessed with an optimistic outlook on life, never carrying a grudge in his heart but seeing the bright side in any situation. He is survived by wife, Claire; children, Bruce David Ericson of Beverly Hills, Mich., and Julia (Casey) Ericson Wold of Lake Forest; grandchildren, Christy, Lindsey and Jack Wold, and Brian and Daniel Ericson; sister, Marge (Bill) Salem of Ohio; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ericson of Rockford; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother, John W. Ericson. A special thank you to the loving caregivers of Anam Care who helped Stan and his family in his battle with Alzheimer's disease. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at Fisher Chapel at Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., with the Rev. Dan Herman of Old Stone Church officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorial visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at Fisher Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Anam Care, 8104 Sayer Road, Rockford IL 61108, or The United States Navy Memorial, P.O. Box 96570, Washington, DC 20090-6570, navymemorial.org. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave. To send a condolence, visit olsonfh.com.