LIFE STORY FOR PATRICIA ROSE ERICKSON

Pat was born in Brookfield, Illinois on October 24, 1942. She was the daughter of Julius and Roselia Check. She graduated from Lyons Township High School in Illinois and later obtained her Degree in Early Child Development. She met the love of her life, Harvey Erickson, and the two were married on May 18, 1963 at New London Connecticut Submarine Base. They moved to White Bear Lake where Pat opened Kiddie Care Day Care Center which she ran for over 20 years. After retiring from child care, she worked for Harriet Tubman Shelters for 5 more years. She and Harvey had three girls together and she loved being a mom. She was very involved in their lives, even leading their Girl Scout Troops. Outside of work and her family, she was involved with ESA Philanthropic, arranging silk flower displays, being a wedding planner, and catering many events. Her hobbies included camping and bowling. Pat had a heart of gold, she had a great sense of humor, was extremely loving and caring, and had a very special place in her life for the care of children.

Pat passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 with her family by her side. She had just been diagnosed with liver cancer and her family spent her last week holding her hand and sharing memories. She is preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Roselia Check; her in-laws, Verner and Mabel Erickson; and other close family members, Chuck & Donna Spar and Jerry Erickson. She will be missed by her husband of 55 years, Harvey D. Erickson of White Bear Lake; her daughters, Sheryl (Doug Clayton) Erickson of North Hudson, WI, Annette (Doug) Crews of White Bear Lake, MN, and Cathy (Mike) Kaufman of White Bear Lake; her dear grandchildren, Dominic Crews, Rachel Crews, Scott Kaufman, Gabriella Wieland, Katie Kaufman, and Jordan Wieland; her siblings, Josephine Silvio, Julio (Carol) Check, and Vince (Linda) Check; her dog, Jocko; many nieces and nephews in Illinois. A very special thank you to the staff at Cerenity of White Bear Lake (the Evergreen Crew) and also a special thank you to St. John’s Hospital (2nd Floor), especially Dr. Dixon and Teresa.

There will be a gathering for family and friends from 4-8PM on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. There will be a second visitation from 11AM-12PM on Friday, January 11, 2019 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 12PM (noon). The interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery and will be private. Memorials are appreciated to Harriet Tubman Shelters as it has always held a special place in Pat’s heart.