Winifred Jean Erickson

Winifred "Jean" Erickson, 99, of Crystal Falls passed away on June 9, 2021 at the Iron County Medical Care facility. Jean was born in London, England on January 14, 1922. She met and married a U.S. soldier during WW2 and traveled to the United States on the Queen Mary when she was 23 years old. She was proud to become a US citizen in 1954. After becoming a single mother with three sons, she worked at the "dime store" (Ben Franklin), where she met her second husband, Donald Erickson. They were married and moved to Waukegan, IL for several years. Upon returning to Crystal Falls, Jean worked as a retreat cook at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, where her delicious meals and cheery personality made her a beloved part of the camping community. At age 68, she was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan serving St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Crystal Falls. She continued to assist with worship services for residents at the ICMCF well into her eighties. For many years she participated in prison ministry, meeting and worshiping weekly with trustee inmates at the Marquette State Prison and the former Ottawa Prison near Iron River. Jean loved flowers and was a wonderful cook and baker. As an expert cake decorator, she baked and decorated many cakes for special occasions for her family and friends. She was an avid reader and in her younger years enjoyed camping and traveling with her husband, beloved dog Lady, and grandchildren. She returned to England two times to visit family members. Jean is survived by her three sons: John (Zita) of Miami, FL, George (Cindy) of Cheyenne, WY and Patrick of Madison, WI; 8 grandchildren: John Jr., Cheryl, Annie, Christopher, Julie, George Jr., Kyle and Chelsea; 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Her husband Donald preceded her in death in 2001. Jean will be remembered as a strong, loving, faithful English/American woman and beloved child of God. Visitation will be Thursday, June 17, 2021, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. Memorial service will follow at Nash Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Peggy Padilla will officiate. Burial will take place in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Winifred Erickson may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with arrangements.

Winifred Jean Erickson

January 14, 1922 - June 9, 2021