Byron Kenneth Erickson

Byron Kenneth Erickson, 82, of Duluth, passed away Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Franciscan Health Center with his family and best friend at his side.  Byron was born on Oct. 8, 1934, in Ashland, WI, to David and Anna (Mathison) Erickson. He attended Duluth Central High School where he enjoyed track as well as basketball. After high school he began his employment at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth as an apprentice painter. When called to serve his country he entered the United States Army, and served as a radio and telephone operator with the Headquarters Battery of the 2nd Artillery, 8th Infantry Division stationed in Baumholder, Germany from 1957-1959, and served the remainder of his military time in the Army Reserves.  Upon return from Europe, Byron continued his employment as a painter, and was also accomplished as a wood restorer and refinisher. He was an active member of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades. Carpentry was also one of his talents which he used both on his job and in his personal life.  In the following years, he worked for the F.A.A. in Farmington, Reserve Mining in Silver Bay, and was employed by St. Louis County using his talents at the St. Louis County Courthouse. Ever a person willing to serve those around him, Byron found ways to help his family, friends and neighbors, always with little thought to thanks or praise. He was a long-time member of the Gnesen Volunteer Fire Department and was a trained First Responder who found many occasions to use these medical skills. Byron was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing, and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. He was also a skilled marksman (sharpshooter in the Army) and took pride in teaching his nephews and nieces the art of target shooting and gun safety. Not to be forgotten are the lessons in driving a snowmobile! He also was a music lover and frequented the Big Top Concerts in Wisconsin with his best friend, Genevieve. Byron's home was the center of many happy gatherings of family, friends and neighbors. Those times will be sorely missed. Byron was preceded in death by his parents, David and Anna (Mathison) Erickson; two sisters, Hope Virgil Erickson and Audrey (Martin) Ausdahl. He is survived by one sister, Miriam (Edward) Burke of Duluth, MN; niece, Deborah (Rory) Strange of Duluth, MN; nephews, Patrick (Lisa) Burke of Warroad, MN, and Andrew (Sharon) Burke of Prior Lake, MN; nephews, David (Sharon) Ausdahl, Daniel (Dora) Ausdahl, and Mark Ausdahl of Alaska; nieces, Elizabeth (Lawrence) Stinson, Rachel (John) Stinson, Rebecca (Rene) Contreres of Alaska, and Mary Ausdahl, Ellensburg, WA.; and special, long-time friend, Genevieve Lepak of Duluth, MN; as well as many great nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and loved ones who are not forgotten. The family wishes to thank the staff of Franciscan Health Center and Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospice staff and volunteers for the capable and compassionate care they provided during his stay. We will never forget! VISITATION: 2:30 pm on Friday, May 12th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, with a memorial service to follow at 3:30 pm.

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