Ann Erickson

Ann (Higgins) Erickson, age 85, died Saturday, January 6, 2024, of complications following surgery. She was born October 5, 1938, in Madison. She graduated from Edgewood High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She married Dale Erickson on June 11, 1960, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Madison, WI.

Ann was a long-time member of First English Lutheran Church serving as a member on Church Council, Sarah’s Circle and various other committees. She also taught and participated in Bible studies. For twenty years, Ann volunteered for Lutheran Social Services Addiction Intervention Team, leading drug and alcohol interventions and serving as a mentor, teacher, and role model to new volunteers. In 1997, she received the outstanding volunteer award from the Wisconsin Association on Alcohol and other Drug Abuse.

Ann enjoyed traveling and boating on the Great Lakes with Dale. An avid reader and life-long learner, Ann enjoyed many genres of books. She treasured her friends and enjoyed meeting them for lunch at local restaurants. She also maintained close ties with her Edgewood High School graduating class and, this past fall, attended her 67th class reunion. Family was a central focus for Ann, and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ann is survived by; a son, Jeffrey (Paula DeHart), La Crosse; a daughter, Amy, Appleton; two grandchildren, Ashley Ahrens, Sturgeon Bay, Samantha Blader, Appleton; three great-grandchildren, Owen Ahrens, Combined Locks, Chase Andrews and Eden Royce, Sturgeon Bay.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dale; son, Bradley; parents, Leo and Margaret (Quinn) Higgins Sr.; brothers, Leo Jr., Robert (Bob), John (Jack) and Thomas Higgins; sister, Virginia (Ginny) Connors.

Services for Ann will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at First English Lutheran Church, 326 East North St., Appleton, with Pastor Mary officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. to time of service. Entombment will be private at Riverside Cemetery.

Ann will be greatly missed by those whose lives she touched. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the ICU and 2nd floor doctors, nurses and staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harbor House Domestic Abuse, Appleton, and St. Joseph Food Pantry, Menasha.

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