Eileen M. Erickson

With family and nursing care by her side, Eileen M. Erickson, age 96, passed away peacefully at Paul and Lisa’s lake home, Friday, August 18, 2017. She was born on November 8, 1920 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to John and Mary (Casper) Norris. She lived in Bloomer most of her life marrying her childhood sweetheart Milton “Pork” Erickson on May 20, 1942 at the United Methodist Church in Bloomer. Eileen worked as an Elementary School teacher in Rural Chippewa County Schools and the Bloomer Public School for over 40 years. Eileen was proud to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree from UW Eau Claire at a difficult time in this country, especially for women. She was a member of Eau Claire Teacher's College alumni, Bloomer UMC, UMW, Garden Club and Women’s Club. Eileen was passionate about teaching school, especially Reading. She had a strong faith in the Lord and was active in the church, working on documenting the church’s 110+ year history, teaching Sunday School and vacation bible school. One of her personal convictions was that “Children Need Sunday School”. She enjoyed gardening and antiquing, working with Lisa in her antique shop on Main Street for several years. She loved designing and making quilt tops and would take on anyone in an UpWords game if you dared.
Her true love was spending time at Chain Lake with her family and friends and cruising on the pontoon. Eileen would never admit it but she was a gifted artist, doing pencil drawings of faces and even designing her own cottage that was built on Chain Lake. She was an original “flipper” buying several properties and remodeling them, a hobby that kept Pork busy and also quite nervous.
Eileen will be remembered for the twinkle in her eye and her beautiful smile that was contagious to all around her. Eileen’s family want to thank the special people of Heartland Hospice, Visiting Angels, Seniors Helping Seniors and Dove Healthcare. These caregivers devotion to the elderly and their family truly help to make those later days in life beautiful. Their kindness will never be forgotten.

Eileen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Lisa and Paul Prince of New Auburn; grandchildren: Matthew “Scott” Olson of Stamford CT and Larkin Olson of Bloomer; brother: John Norris of Minneapolis, sister in-law: LouAnn Norris of Lady Lake FL; son in-law: Myron Olson of Menomonie , numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents: John and Mary; husband: Milton, daughter: Ann Olson; brothers: Roger “Pinky” and Duane Norris; sister: Betty Boettcher; brother in-law: Warren Boettcher; sisters in-law: Jean and Dolores Norris.
A memorial service will be held at the Bloomer United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 6:00 PM with a visitation from 4:00PM until the time of service. Please direct memorials to the Bloomer United Methodist Church Sunday School Program. Olson Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family.