Irene M. Erickson

 Irene M. Erickson, age 84 of Lancaster, passed away on  Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at Orchard Manor in  Lancaster, WI following a brief illness. Irene was born on January 6, 1925, the oldest of seven children born to Leo and Margaret (Flesch) Duve. She married Robert J. Bob Erickson on August 6, 1949, and together, they raised five children. He preceded her in death on December 26, 1986. Irene worked as a waitress in many local restaurants, and she worked in the Purity Bakery. She retired in 1980. Irenes favorite pastimes were Bingo, playing cards, fishing, embroidery, and making crafts from plastic canvas. She enjoyed cooking, and very seldom followed a recipe. Irene enjoyed spending time with her family, and visiting on the telephone.

Irene is survived by five children: Gary (Lana) Erickson, Lancaster; Tom (Marita) Erickson, Tacoma, WA; Connie (Steve) Reinsbach and Pat (Graydon) Hall all of Lancaster; and Julie (Kevin) Atkinson,  Cuba City; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her three sisters: Mary Luella Place, Lancaster; Evelyn (Philip)Peterson, Lindsberg, KS; Jane Duve, Grand Blanc, MI; and two brothers: Ivan (Jean Ann) Duve, Shelby, MT; and Eugene Red (Marilyn) Duve, Independence, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother Clement Duve and a great-grandson, Kyle Miller.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 10, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in  Lancaster. Burial was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Friends called on Saturday, January 10, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.