Helen Erickson

Helen Erickson, 99, longtime resident of Port Wing, WI and previously of Northlake, IL, died Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, MN. She was born on January 24, 1919 in Chicago, IL to Elsie Swanson and John Nelson, and graduated from Amundsen High School in Chicago. Helen married Ellwood Erickson on June 29, 1946. They were married for 45 years, until his death in January 1992.

Helen gave generously of herself to family and friends.  She volunteered extensively throughout her life in church, schools, and community, in particular for many years with the Campfire Girls in Northlake, the Fig Leaf in Iron River, WI, and the Port Wing Historical Society.  She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Port Wing and the Swedish Vasa Order in Chicago.

She enjoyed needlepoint, often making gifts for her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was an avid naturalist who kept track of the birds at her Port Wing feeder and attended many wildflower and nature walks in northern Wisconsin. She loved keeping up with her large circle of friends and family in person and via cards and letters, and was a charter member of the 500 Card Club in Port Wing.

Helen is survived by her daughter Jean (Michael Ciagala) Erickson of Chicago, her son Russell (Laura) Erickson of Duluth, three grandchildren, Joseph Erickson of Orlando, FL, Katherine (Michael Geraci) Erickson of Brooklyn, NY, and Thomas Erickson of Duluth, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellwood, sister, Arlene Shawver, and brothers, John Clarence Nelson and Stanley Nelson.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 on December 26 at the First Lutheran Church in Port Wing, with visitation starting at 10:00 and a luncheon following.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home of Superior is assisting with arrangements; online condolences can be made at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Port Wing Historical Society.