Dwaine J. "Oulu" Erickson

Dwaine J. “Oulu” Erickson, 69, Superior, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2014 in his home, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on June 11, 1944 in Superior to John Raymond and Gertrude (Elonen) Erickson and was a lifelong Superior resident.
He attended schools in Superior and went on to receive his Mechanics Degree from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.

He married Mary Patraw on December 21, 1968 in Bessemer, MI and celebrated 45 years of marriage.

Dwaine was employed in the service department as a mechanic for Link Brothers and Benna Ford for over 25 years retiring as a service manager. Most recently he had become an independent auto mechanic.
He was a member of Superior Men’s Bowling Association and raced at the Tri-State Speedway for over 25 years.


Dwaine was always a top contender whichever track he was racing at. Everyone who raced with Dwaine thought highly of him and he was always a big fan favorite. Racing here in Superior, some of his accomplishments were in the Late Model Class, he took top five – five times and top ten – eight times. In the Modified Class he took top ten- two times and in the Super Stock Division he was in the top five- two times and top ten – four times. In the Street Stock he took top ten – three times. Racing in the Northwest Racing circuit, Dwaine finished third in the Super Stock Class for the 1973-1974 season. In 1975, he finished second for the season. In 1976, racing a late model, Dwaine took a second in the circuit, in 1977 he won the circuit championship in the Late Model Class. In 1978, he took a fourth place in the circuit and in 1979 he again took second place. In 1980 Dwaine won the Northwest Racing circuit championship in the Late Model Class. He was inducted into the Superior Speedway Hall of Fame in 2003 and is being inducted into the inaugural class for the ABC Raceway in Ashland, Hall of Fame.

Dwaine enjoyed fishing, fishing on Lake Superior and hunting. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Mary, Dwaine is survived by three daughters, Sherry “Toby” (Ronald “Rondo” DeBernardis - deceased) Erickson, Superior, Carmen (Ben) Greene, Ham Lake, MN, Dana (Steve) Gerard, Cloquet, MN; two sons, John (Lynette Caffrey) Erickson, Superior, Jody (Elena) Erickson, Superior; three sisters, Carol (Travis) Drain, Lake Havasu, AZ, Virginia Cronin, Encinitas, CA and his twin sister, Elaine Arnovich, Superior; six grandchildren, Amanda, Colten, Dylan, Emily, Lexis, McKenzie and his seventh grandchild is on the way. He is also survived by his faithful canine companion, Capone.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Stephen Arnovich.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 in the Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 11, 2014 until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service at Pilgrim Lutheran Church with Pastor Will Mowchan, officiating.

Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Pallbearers for the service will be Dick Christman, Greg Bong, John Kimmes, Dave Goldberg, Dave Sash, Buddy Cooper, Jim Stearns and Patrick Schoen.

Honorary pallbearers will be Don Stelli, Doug Wells, Bob O’Brien, Frank Sandlin, Ron Warring, Paul Arnovich and Mike Gumolac.

Dwaine’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the St. Luke’s Hospice and the staff and physicians at St. Luke’s Hospital for the wonderful care Dwaine received throughout his lengthy battle with cancer.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.