Clarence Oliver Erickson, age 81 of Hammond, passed away April 22, 2014 at the Park View Home in Woodville. ”Oliver”” was born on August 29, 1932 in Baldwin Township; the son of Olaf and Johanna (Hansen) Erickson. As a child, he attended Sunny Side and Hopyard Schools. He was united in marriage on October 24, 1953 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church to Mary Jean Foster. Their marriage was blessed with five daughters. Oliver worked for the St. Croix County Highway Department for 35 years, working in various positions eventually becoming to a heavy machine operator. He retired from St. Croix County in 1988.

In his earlier years, Oliver took pleasure in the peacefulness of the outdoors, hunting and fishing; as well as Saturday night dances with his wife, Mary. Oliver enjoyed his time doing leather work, woodworking and sharing his works of art, especially the hand crafted baby cradles, with his daughters, grandchildren and family. He was fond of playing cards, and was well entertained with the games of rummy, euchre, canasta and cribbage. Oliver was a volunteer for the Hammond Fire Department for many years. He was a 2nd Degree member of the Knight’s of Columbus at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for many years, becoming an honorary member for the past several years. Oliver also volunteered his time with janitorial work and various projects, as well being a member of the cemetery board at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Oliver cherished his time with his family and took much delight in the traditional Sunday dinners they shared together.

Oliver will remain in the hearts of his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Jean; daughters: Linda (Steve) Johnson of Menomonie, Nancy Jones of Hammond, Debra (Michael) Jones of Woodville, Sally (Rick) Torgerson of Woodville and Donna Erickson of Hammond; grandchildren: Brandon (Chelsea) Johnson, Matthew (Taysha) Johnson, Andrew (Brandy) Erickson, Amy (Jason) Iverson, Bryan (Jennifer) Jones, Craig (Erin) Butler, Jeff Butler (fiancé, Trent Bohm), Eric Butler (fiancé, Debbie Preiss); his 4 legged grandchildren, Sadie and Bo Jangles; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Ovila Stang of Woodville; sisters-in-law, Shirley Erickson of Woodville, Ellen Huck of Racine and Dorothy Wellens of Hudson; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elfrieda Erickson; brother, Lenny Erickson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Virgil “Turp” Stang, Thomas and Bobbie Powers, Ed Huck, Larry Wellens, Sandy Erickson and Jack Foster.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, April 26, 2014 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hammond, with Fr. Jerry Harris and Fr. Jim Powers officiating. Visitation will take place 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, April 25, 2014, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, as well as one hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Hammond. Oliver’s grandchildren, whom he adored, will have the honor as casketbearers. Honorary casketbearers will be Bill VanKempen and Scott Holzmer. Transitional bearers, taking Oliver from this earth and welcoming him into Heaven were his mother, Johanna; his father, Olaf; his sister Elfrieda; and his brother, Lenny. Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin (715) 684-3434.