Obituary of Marian Erickson

STERLING-Marian J. Erickson passed away peacefully on March 14, 2021. She was born February 1, 1927 in Quincy, IL, the daughter of John M. and Amanda (Welke) Johnson. Marian grew up in Golden and later at the County Line area near Peru, IL, where her father was pastor of the Lutheran Church. She graduated from Capital University in Columbus, OH, and finished her BSN degree at Augustana Hospital in Chicago. She worked at the hospital as a teacher for student nurses, teaching pharmacology and bedside nursing. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Dr. John Erickson, and they were married on June 23, 1951. They moved to San Diego, CA where John was stationed in the Navy during the Korean War. Afterward, they returned to Chicago and then made their permanent home in Sterling, IL. Marian spent those early years raising 4 children, and she made sure there was a delicious dinner on the table for her family every night. She especially loved baking and gardening. As her child – rearing duties eased, she took up tennis and golf, and she was very involved in leagues at Westwood Tennis Center and Rock River Country Club. Marian was also an avid bridge player, with a couples Bridge Club monthly dinner and ladies bridge groups. She enjoyed singing in her church choir and volunteered for Red Cross blood drives. Marian loved spending time with her grandchildren, and was known to them as “Grandma Cookie”. She and John travelled to many places with family and friends, and they eventually decided to spend every winter in St. Petersburg, FL. Marian will be lovingly remembered by her family : Dr. Thomas Erickson of Gilbert, AZ, John (Manuela) Erickson of St. Petersburg, FL, Jean (John) Wickman of Rockford, IL, 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and her brother Ronald Johnson of New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her daughter Karen McKenzie, one brother and one sister. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Gaffey Hospice Foundation or New Life Lutheran Church. Memorials may also be sent to Schilling Funeral Home, PO Box 592, Sterling, IL 61081 and will be forwarded to the family.