Don Ace Erickson

Don “Ace” Erickson, age 86, of Escanaba, passed away Friday morning, August 26, 2022 at his home. He was born on December 21, 1935 in Escanaba, the son of Dagney Erickson. Ace was raised and attended school in Escanaba and was a 1953 graduate of Escanaba High School. Following graduation, Ace moved to California and lived there for a couple of years before relocating to Milwaukee, WI in 1955. It was there he met the love of his life, the former Donna Racicot. The couple were wed on August 31, 1957 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schaffer, MI. Together, they shared nearly 65 years of marriage. In their early years, Ace and Donna lived and worked in Milwaukee, WI where they welcomed their 5 children, Karen, Dan, Robert, Thomas, and Dale. Ace was employed with the Chicago Northwest Railroad as a switchman. In 1968, the family relocated to Escanaba where Ace took a position with P&H and worked as a Millwright with the Carpenter’s Union until his retirement. For the past 30 years, Ace and Donna enjoyed wintering and socializing in Englewood, FL where they met many friends along the way. Ace was a member of the Ford River Lions Club and the Highland Golf Club. He greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors, including hunting, fishing, golfing, and gardening. Most of all, his family was the most important thing to him – especially his grandchildren.

Ace is survived by his loving wife, Donna Erickson of Escanaba; children, Karen Thompson of Mount Pleasant, WI, Dan Erickson of Sherman Oaks, CA, Rob (Renee) Erickson of Gladstone, Thomas Erickson of Chicago, IL, and Dale (Heidi) Erickson of Escanaba; 5 grandchildren, Corey, Lance, David, Blake, and Kaet; sisters, Judy Peoples of Gladstone, and Janet (Bill) Kern of Escanaba; and several nieces and nephews.

Ace was preceded in death by his mother, Dagney Erickson; and brother, Dick Erickson.

Visitation will be held on Ace and Donna’s 65th wedding anniversary from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 31, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Ace will follow at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in St. Anne Catholic Church’s fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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