Joan Erickson

Joan Erickson, age 97, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at her home on Long Lake.

Joan was born on September 21, 1928, to Elmer Sr. and Helen (Loofbourrow) Nelson and raised in New Auburn, WI. She was educated in the New Auburn School District. Joan went on to earn her Country School Teaching License from U.W. Lacrosse and a Bachelor's degree in Education from U. W. Eau Claire. She taught special education for 17 years in Bloomer and New Auburn. On August 16, 1949, in Joan married James E. Erickson Jr. in Chetek, WI.

Joan loved gardening, flowers, and working in the dirt. This love developed from being kicked out of the house (because she would not listen to her mother), to work the fields with her dad. She ordered seeds and created flower gardens yearly. Peonies and lilies were two of her favorite flowers.

She loved her children (especially Mary), grandchildren and great grandchildren, friends and community. Joan had a dry sense of humor, liked laughter, jokes and playing cards. She was known for her pranks: putting caramel covered onions in the staff lounge for Halloween, crafting balloon angel food cakes for people, cake pan birthday cakes, offering raw baked potatoes or gauze filled pancakes to guests, and spiking the teacher's coffee on the last day of school. Joan sure had a zest for life!

Joan is survived by her children: Margie Baker, Barbie Taylor, Dick Erickson, Ginny Erickson, Joe Erickson, Mary Erickson, Micki Petersen, Heather Erickson, and Chris Baker; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild; sister: MaryAnn (Wally) Gravunder; numerous nieces and nephews, voluntarily adopted friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Elmer Sr. and Helen Nelson; husband: James E. Erickson, Jr.; children: Kathy Beno, James “Boomie” Erickson III and Josh Baker; and siblings: Elmer “Sandy” Nelson, Arlys Mullen, Donna Kellen, Beth Mares, Baby Gail, Jack Nelson, Jerry Nelson, Faye “Dickie” Johnson, Carolyn Martinson and Judy Mares.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the New Auburn Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow the burial from Noon – 2:00 PM, at the Chetek Lanes Banquet Hall.