1904
Jeanette
2008
Jeanette Erickson
October 8, 1904 — May 28, 2008
Jeanette Erickson, 103, Wausau, formerly of Brokaw, died peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at Harmony Living Center, with her grandson, Bruce and son-in-law, Del. Jeanette was born on Oct. 8, 1904, in Merrill to the late John and Mathilda (Boakes) Maloney. On Sept. 30, 1925, she married Albert "Stub" Erickson and to this union were born Kenneth, Jean, Clark and Karen. Jeanette and Albert celebrated over 72 loving years prior to his death on Feb. 27, 1998.
After high school, Jeanette attended County Normal and received her teaching certificate at a time in history when education for the "fragile" female faced opposition. Prior to her marriage, Jeanette was a teacher of 18 students at Linden country school. She said of those she taught, "They were real good kids!!" Jeanette was forced to quit working as a school teacher because at the time Wisconsin school boards required single women teachers agree to not continue teaching after marriage. Jeanette firmly respected the value of education and encouraged all young people to continue school and obtain a degree.
Jeanette and Stub made their home in Brokaw, where they raised their children and lived for many years. In addition to homemaker, Jeanette was employed part-time with the Brokaw Post Office. Jeanette was an avid reader and had fond memories of the Brokaw library. For many years, Jeanette enjoyed playing cards with members of her card club. Jeanette was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau, of which she had been an active member for many, many years.
Of her full life when she turned 100 years old Jeanette reflected, "I didn't think it was a hard life. Now I remember how hard it was". With world wars, women's suffrage, the Great Depression, presidential assassination, life in Merrill and Brokaw offered a simpler way of life. Jeanette reminisced of meeting her husband at the roller rink, going to the movies, sledding with the kids, going to church on Sunday, and sharing over 72 wonderful years of marriage with her husband. She felt blessed for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jeanette offered very good advice on how to live a long life-work hard, keep a sense of humor, don't smoke or drink, and maintain your faith in family and in God.
Survivors include one son, Kenneth (Mary), Menomonie; one daughter, Karen (Tony) Ballweg, Windsor; one son-in-law, Del Kluever, Tripoli; one daughter-in-law, Jean Erickson, San Antonio, TX; one sister, Ione Halston, Neenah; four sisters-in-law, Vivian Erickson, Grayce (Lolly) Radloff, Evelyn Emerich, and Vera Erickson; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her mother, father, and husband, Jeanette was preceded in death by one son, Clark; one daughter, Caryl "Jean" Kluever; one granddaughter, Tracey Jeanette Erickson; four brothers and two sisters; and an infant sister.
Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. Reverend Bob Firary will be officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. There will be a private family burial at a later date in Restlawn Memorial Park.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Harmony Living Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, or Wesley United Methodist Church.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Jeanette's son-in-law, Del Kluever, for the many years of care and assistance he provided to her. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Harmony Living Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the congregation and staff of Wesley United Methodist Church.
"An Irish Blessing"
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the Hollow of His hand.
After high school, Jeanette attended County Normal and received her teaching certificate at a time in history when education for the "fragile" female faced opposition. Prior to her marriage, Jeanette was a teacher of 18 students at Linden country school. She said of those she taught, "They were real good kids!!" Jeanette was forced to quit working as a school teacher because at the time Wisconsin school boards required single women teachers agree to not continue teaching after marriage. Jeanette firmly respected the value of education and encouraged all young people to continue school and obtain a degree.
Jeanette and Stub made their home in Brokaw, where they raised their children and lived for many years. In addition to homemaker, Jeanette was employed part-time with the Brokaw Post Office. Jeanette was an avid reader and had fond memories of the Brokaw library. For many years, Jeanette enjoyed playing cards with members of her card club. Jeanette was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau, of which she had been an active member for many, many years.
Of her full life when she turned 100 years old Jeanette reflected, "I didn't think it was a hard life. Now I remember how hard it was". With world wars, women's suffrage, the Great Depression, presidential assassination, life in Merrill and Brokaw offered a simpler way of life. Jeanette reminisced of meeting her husband at the roller rink, going to the movies, sledding with the kids, going to church on Sunday, and sharing over 72 wonderful years of marriage with her husband. She felt blessed for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jeanette offered very good advice on how to live a long life-work hard, keep a sense of humor, don't smoke or drink, and maintain your faith in family and in God.
Survivors include one son, Kenneth (Mary), Menomonie; one daughter, Karen (Tony) Ballweg, Windsor; one son-in-law, Del Kluever, Tripoli; one daughter-in-law, Jean Erickson, San Antonio, TX; one sister, Ione Halston, Neenah; four sisters-in-law, Vivian Erickson, Grayce (Lolly) Radloff, Evelyn Emerich, and Vera Erickson; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her mother, father, and husband, Jeanette was preceded in death by one son, Clark; one daughter, Caryl "Jean" Kluever; one granddaughter, Tracey Jeanette Erickson; four brothers and two sisters; and an infant sister.
Funeral services will be 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. Reverend Bob Firary will be officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 1, 2008 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. There will be a private family burial at a later date in Restlawn Memorial Park.
Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Harmony Living Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, or Wesley United Methodist Church.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Jeanette's son-in-law, Del Kluever, for the many years of care and assistance he provided to her. The family also wishes to thank the staff of Harmony Living Center, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice and the congregation and staff of Wesley United Methodist Church.
"An Irish Blessing"
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the Hollow of His hand.
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