Lynn Marie Erickson

Lynn Marie (Hayden) Erickson was born on September 30, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Paul Thomas Hayden and Jeanene McCullough, and passed away on July 28, 2025, in Appleton, Wisconsin. Her life is so much more than 400 words. Lynn was a wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, friend, and community leader. She loved and cared deeply for people.

Lynn leaves behind a legacy of love and courage through her loved ones: her husband, Rich; her two children, Justin (Marybeth) Erickson and Kristen (Matt) Ver Bust; three grandchildren, Emma, Weston, and Eleanor; three siblings, Kevin (Joanne) Hayden, Nancy (Ed) Oswald, and Jim (Mariea) Hayden; her mother-in-law, Annette Erickson; sisters-in-law, Carrie Hansen and Laurie (Mark) Gramz; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lynn was known to surprise her community with coffee or pumpkin bread and was always quick to share an encouraging word. She was an amazing conversationalist and an incredible listener. Lynn was the kind of person who would stand by you, stand up for you, root for you, and always support you. Her smile, humor, and incredible spark will be deeply missed.

An alumna of UW–Whitewater, Lynn’s passion for people led her to pursue a degree in social work. After her time there, she met her best friend and the love of her life—her husband, Rich. Their love story, built on mutual respect and admiration, carried them from their wedding on August 24, 1986, through nearly four decades of marriage.

Lynn was an amazing mom to Justin and Kristen. She always put family first and built incredible traditions—from M&M chocolate cakes on birthdays, to annual Christmas ornaments, to “love you more’s.” She made the big days—and perhaps even more importantly, the everyday moments—special with her care.

During her time at VPI as Director of Rehabilitation Services, Lynn championed inclusion by bringing the Project SEARCH program to Northeast Wisconsin, building the Thrive Academy, and serving on boards and committees with Valley Transit, Friendship Place, and Leadership Fox Cities.

A stroke survivor, Lynn’s resilience shone—she approached each day with positivity and gratitude. In the years that followed, she danced with her son at his wedding, traveled and shared life’s joys with Rich, and found immense happiness in becoming a grandmother.

Lynn taught us grace, strength, and compassion. We are deeply grateful to all those who supported her through her journey—from early recovery after the stroke through her final days. This includes the medical teams, therapists, family, friends, and the ThedaCare hospice team and volunteer Laurie Bartlett who walked alongside Lynn and compassionately cared for her.

In memory of Lynn, take a moment today to spread love and kindness. Share a smile, open a door, offer a compliment, and let those you care about know how much they mean to you. Her love is her legacy.

A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held on October 4, 2025, at Bubolz Nature Preserve. Visitation from Noon to 3pm. Service at 3pm.