Of Stoddard- Merle Glen Erickson, 75, passed away Monday, January 20, 2014 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born May 29, 1938 to Harold and Mona Erickson. He married Mary Kelly January 20, 1979 in Anoka, MN. Merle gave Mary one final gift by staying with her to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary on January 20th.

Merle and Mary met while working at Unisys Corporation in Roseville, MN where Merle worked for 24 years before retiring in 1991. In addition to working fulltime, Merle spent weekends playing drums, his true passion, in five country and rock bands in the Twin Cities (Springfield, River City Band, Nashville Arsenal, Yukon, and Party Town). He was a lover of music and collected a wide variety of CDs which he generously shared with friends and relatives. It seems everyone has a “Merle CD” which he would tailor to the individual’s musical tastes.

Learning was an important part of Merle’s life. He attended the University of Minnesota, taking classes at night, and later took classes at Anoka Community College after he retired. He continued to be a voracious reader throughout life and loved to engage in debate and conversation with friends and family on a variety of topics.

Merle and Mary lived in Ham Lake, MN for 22 years before building Merle’s dream home on the Mississippi River in Stoddard, WI in 2004. This home became a destination for many friends and relatives as Merle hosted pool games and Mary stayed busy in the kitchen. Merle’s favorite times were spent entertaining those closest to the couple.

After moving back to the La Crosse area, Merle became involved with his Central High School “Class of 57”. He enjoyed attending monthly breakfast gatherings and participated in event planning. He was honored to be the MC for their latest class reunion last summer.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Valerie (Charles Kath) Erickson; sons, Michael Erickson, David Erickson, Matthew Erickson; grandchildren, Renae, Michelle, Cody; great-grandchildren, Kaylee Jo, Mia Lily; and many cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Patrick Erickson; parents; and brother, David Erickson.

Merle’s family extends their sincere appreciation for the excellent care and support provided by the Gundersen Hospice team of nurses, physicians, and chaplains.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main St, La Crosse at 10:30 AM with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. A private burial will be at a future date.