Paul Erickson
Paul Erickson
Cedar Rapids
Paul Erickson, 98, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on October 3, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital Hospice. A private family service will be held at Cedar Memorial in Cedar Rapids.
Paul was born to Robert and Elizabeth Erickson on October 15, 1925, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Paul lived his entire life in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he proudly served in World War II for three years, of which he was very proud. He married Shirley Ann Erickson in 1946, and they spent nearly 75 years together.
Paul worked for Cedar Memorial and Cherry Burrell in the 1940s and ’50s and then spent many years working at Collins Radio. He retired from FMC Corporation in 1985. In retirement, he enjoyed playing golf and volunteering as a golf ranger for the City of Cedar Rapids. Paul and Shirley loved to spend time with their grandchildren and would often cut vacations short to come home early because they missed them. Much to his surprise, he lived to see all five of his grandchildren graduate from high school and college, get married, and have children of their own. His happiest times were spent with each one of them.
Paul is survived by two children, David (Beverly) Erickson of Fort Myers, FL; and Julianne (Dale) of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Cyndi Smith, Stephanie (Andrew) Fulford, Melissa (James) Mitchell, Robert (Jessica) Wirtjes and Holly (Eric) Caldwell; great-grandchildren, Alecia Smith; Andrew, David and Grace Fulford, Landyn and Lauryn Mitchell; William, Lorna and Noah Wirtjes; and Jack and Claire Caldwell, as well as many nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Erickson, a son Robert Erickson, and his brothers, Robert and Richard Erickson.
We would like to extend a special thanks to The Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon where Paul spent the final 6 months before his death and to the Hospice staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for their unwavering support, kindness, and care.
Condolences may be directed to the family at CedarMemorial.com under Obituaries.