Obituary for Rosella Ruth Erickson

On September 25, 1937, Rosella married the love of her life, Aldin G. Erickson, at Bells Coulee Lutheran Church in Bangor, Wisconsin. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work.

For more than 43 years, Rosella was a devoted member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. She and Aldin served as custodians there for 18 years, taking great pride in caring for the church community they cherished. Over the years, Rosella also worked at Deaconess Hospital in the laundry department and later at Appleton Electric in South Milwaukee as a general laborer.

Rosella was known for her warm heart, strong spirit, and remarkable cooking and baking. Her potato dumplings, Swedish meatballs, and apple pies were legendary, as were her holiday traditions of making lefse, rosettes, krumkake, sandbakkels, and countless cookies. Family gatherings were never complete without her dumplings, Swedish meatballs, lutefisk (for the brave), and her famous chocolate cake. She loved the Milwaukee Brewers — especially Prince Fielder — but she loved her family even more.

She enjoyed dancing, word search puzzles, and the simple joys of time spent with those she loved.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dick, who cared for her faithfully for ten years, and to Bob and Mary Kay for their loving support in her later years, including daily visits and special road trips to look for deer or enjoy a chocolate milkshake. Roger helped manage her finances as POA since 1986 and sent her a daily TV schedule and family photo, which she looked forward to discussing during her daily phone call with Roger or Colleen. Each of her sons cared for her in their own meaningful way, reflecting the love, responsibility, and devotion she instilled in them. A special thank you also goes to Russ and Lori Erickson, who visited daily. They printed and brought her TV schedule and photo sheets and kept her phone and TV working so she could stay connected. The compassionate staff at Care Partners provided exceptional care; she deserved the best, and she truly received it.

Rosella is survived by her three sons, Robert Erickson (Mary Kay), Richard Erickson, and Roger Erickson (Colleen); her stepdaughter in law, Cleta Erickson; and her many grandchildren, Cori Seider, Debbie (Bill) Broderick, Carrie (Richard) Wenzel, Jeffrey (Anthony) Erickson Pogorzelski, Jon (Danny) Erickson, Russ (Lori) Erickson, Tami (Robb) Dopke, Jacki Wherley, Marc (Julie) Erickson, Kathy Seipp, Kurt Erickson, Peter Erickson, Heang (Thavy) Erickson, Eric (Cindy) Freeman, Jerry (Renae) Erickson, and Christine (Bob) Paul. She is further survived by a host of great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; her sister, Lorna Kauffman; her brother, Orlen (Mary) Freng; and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at Bells Coulee Lutheran Church on May 2nd at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Burns Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Bells Coulee Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in Rosella’s name would be very much appreciated.