Cover photo for Sylvia Erickson's Obituary
Sylvia Erickson Profile Photo
1941 Sylvia 2024

Sylvia Erickson

May 19, 1941 — April 14, 2024

Wausau

Sylvia Nedra Erickson passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Rennes Hospice in Weston.  Sylvia was born May 19, 1941, the daughter of Floyd Stevens and Marion (Messner) Jordan and grew up in Tomahawk.

She married Joseph E. Erickson on December 18, 1958, in Tomahawk and they began their married life in Norfolk, VA, as Joe was serving in the US Navy.  The Navy life led them to various cities in California.  When Joe retired from the Navy in 1975, they returned to their hometown in Tomahawk before eventually moving to the Wausau area.  Sylvia worked for 20 years at Kolbe & Kolbe before retiring in 2007.

A talented seamstress, Sylvia made many treasured items for family and friends.  Her expertise extended to alterations and clothing repairs for the public.  Sylvia gave back to her community in so many ways.  She volunteered at nursing homes where she called bingo, and her beloved dogs would visit the elderly.  Her and her dogs also visited area elementary schools where they read to the children.  Sylvia sewed thousands of little sleeping bags with stuffed animals in them to comfort the children at Aspirus Hospital.  Sylvia logged hundreds of volunteer hours visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, with her therapy dogs, Sadie, Smokey and Charlie.   

Sylvia enjoyed her weekly gathering of card playing with friends, crocheting and any chance she had to visit her family in Missouri.  Sylvia made friends and fun everywhere she went, and she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph Erickson; daughter, Cindy (Randy Furger) Steinke; sons, Nick (Kelly) Erickson Sr., and Joseph J. Erickson; grandchildren, Nick Erickson Jr (fiancee NicholeSullivan), Sara Erickson, Jen (Matt) Folz, Samantha (Rick) Dedeyne, and Gary Steinke; great grandchildren, Brynn Krueger, and Emma Folz; sister, Vanessa (Teddy) Ruble; and brother, Walter (Crystal) Kutsche.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Audrey Charboneau; brothers, Jim Stevens, Eugene Lundgren, Edward Lundgren; and her beloved dogs.

A celebration of Sylvia's life will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, at Helke Funeral Home in Wausau.  Memorials will be directed to Joseph E. Erickson.  
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sylvia Erickson, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Celebration of Life

Friday, May 3, 2024

1:00 - 4:00 pm (Central time)

Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service

302 Spruce Street, Wausau, WI 54401

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