Earl 'Whitey' Erickson

Earl A. 'Whitey' Erickson, age 79, passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at Skaalen Home in Stoughton.   He was born in Brandt, South Dakota on October 25, 1931, a son of Orton and Hannah (Peterson) Erickson.   Whitey served his country very proudly in the Army.   On October 3, 1957, he was united in marriage to Georgia Buchanan in Madison.   He worked as an Operating Engineer until his retirement.   Whitey enjoyed spending time with his family, and was especially proud of all of his grandchildren.   He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, drives in the country, and especially NASCAR.   He is survived by his wife, Georgia; three sons, Mike, David and Steve (Ronda) Erickson; a daughter, Darcy (Darin) Julseth; grandchildren, Ashley, Austin, and Cole Erickson, Michelle Erickson and Lia Julseth; 2 sisters, Marge Tofson and Shirley Fogelberg; 2 brothers, Orton 'Junior' (Shirley) and Dennis (Barb) Erickson; and many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his mother, Hannah; his father and stepmother, Orton and Imo Erickson; and by a daughter, Kathy Jo.   Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 11:00 am at St. Paul's Liberty Lutheran Church, 3494, Oak Park Rd., with the Rev. Dan Anderson officiating.   Burial and Military Rites will follow at Cottage Grove Cemetery.   The family will greet friends at the Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home in Deerfield on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and again at church on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of service.   Special thanks to all of the staff at Skaalen Home.