Mauritz Erickson

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, Mauritz Erickson lived with others in mind. He was warm, genuine, and approachable, and as a lifelong resident of the Muskegon community he was the sort of man whom everyone seemed to know. A loving husband and devoted father, Maury treasured these roles, but he just may have argued that there was nothing better than becoming a grandfather later in life. Although his journey was not without times of trial, he faced whatever came his way with both strength and courage that were to be admired. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Maury created a timeless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish. It was great to be an American during the decade that we commonly recall as the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was taking us places we had never been, and prosperity was commonplace across the country. This was the decade that saw the end of the silent film era, the mass production of automobiles on assembly lines, and the adventurous spirits of both Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart within the world of flight. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1925 when Mauritz and Nellie (Agen) Erickson were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as summer began to unfold on the city of Muskegon, Michigan. The big day finally arrived on June 10, 1925, when the baby boy they named Mauritz Lewis drew his first breath. Joined in his family by his brothers, Donald and Jerry, Mauritz was a typical young boy of his generation. His father worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service while his mother was a busy homemaker. Around home, Maury could often be found playing with his friends and the neighborhood kids. As a student, he attended local schools, graduating from Muskegon High School in 1943. As soon as he finished high school, Maury enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He went through pilot training and became a B-25 bomber pilot. Although he always served stateside during the war, Maury was proud of his time in the service. With his military duties fulfilled, he returned to Muskegon in 1945 and worked various factory jobs for a of couple years. Not to be forgotten during this time was Maurys introduction to the woman with whom he would write a love story that would span more than 55 years. Her name was Frances DAlcorn, and they met while they were out one night. Since she was a nurse, she noticed the bandages on Maurys hand as he had injured his hand at work, and the rest is history as they say. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Maury and Frances were married on April 30, 1947. Together they welcomed three children, Ronald, Robert, and Wendy, into their hearts and home. In 1948, Maury followed in fathers footsteps and became a letter carrier for the United States Post Office, as did his brothers. He loved being a postman and knew all the people on his route. One time he and a fellow postman volunteered to run one of his customers gas station for three weeks so the customer could go on his first vacation in 35 years! Maury walked 11 miles on his route every day and figured that throughout his career he walked enough to circle the earth three times! In 1980, he retired after 32 years of dedicated service. Although he really did enjoy his work, Maury treasured being with his family. He was a wonderful father who supported his children in all their activities. As a family they were faithful members at Crestwood United Methodist Church. Over the years they took several family vacations to places such as the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon, Maine, and throughout the Upper Peninsula. The Omness Family often joined them, and both families loved collecting rocks on all their trips. Maury liked using these rocks to make various pieces of jewelry. Eventually, he and his wife made it to all 50 states and also took a trip to Europe. Within his community, Maury was active in a variety of ways. He was a member of the Muskegon Host Lions Club as well as a member of the Vikings Linne Lodge #57 for 42 years. Maury was even voted National Viking of the Year in 1996 and Lion of the Year in both 2003 and 2010. Over the years he worked on numerous pancake breakfast events for the Lions and was a member of the Invandarna Singers at the Vikings. Filled with a spirit of generosity, Maury also volunteered for the Boy Scouts and was on the committee for Camp Pendalouan. Life was forever changed for Maury with the death of his beloved wife, Frances, in 2003. Although this was difficult for him, he kept active with his various groups and at his church, which became Lake Harbor United Methodist Church later in life. Maury also continued to be active with his family, and he absolutely loved being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He spent as much time as he could with them, and he particularly enjoyed attending their sporting events and school activities. Later on, Mauritz moved to a condo in Harbortown. He loved taking daily walks to the Muskegon Channel, just like he had done during his days as a postman. During these last few years he also enjoyed spending time with a special friend, Irene Bailey. Last year, Maury was thrilled to participate in the Legends Flight to Visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Eventually, the years started to take a toll on his body and mind. Earlier this year he moved to Lansing to be closer to his children. With unending love and devotion to his family, Mauritz Erickson was a blessing to everyone he met. Always one to work hard in everything he did, he selflessly served his country, those in his community through both his work and his affiliations with various organizations, and anyone in need of something that he could help with. Maury was never one to worry about the things of this world, rather, his focus was on working hard and living fully in each moment he was given. Although he will be deeply missed, he will never be forgotten. Mauritz Lewis Erickson died on Thursday, November 5, 2015. Maurys family includes his sons, Ronald (Ann) Erickson of Croswell MI, Robert (Sue) Erickson of Oxford MI; daughter, Wendy (Mark) Koerner of Haslett MI; grandchildren, Erica, Jason, Curtis, Greg great grandchildren, Kiersten, Korinne, Jayden brother, Jerry (Ann) Erickson of Holland; Special Friend, Irene Bailey, many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances in 2003 and brother, Donald Erickson. Services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Maurys family on Tuesday, 2:00-4:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Muskegon Host Lions Club.