Helen M. Erickson, age 94, passed away on May 19, 2024, at Dove Health Care in St. Croix Falls, WI.

Helen was born August 29, 1929 at home on the farm near Deronda, WI to Albert and Ida Mickelson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Deronda Lutheran Church and attended the Oak Grove School in Garfield Township. Helen worked as a waitress until getting married to Kerwin Erickson on November 17, 1946. Two daughters were born to them, Ardys and Annette. They lived and worked in Amery until a job opportunity in California came, so off they went. Missing family and friends, they returned to Amery a few years later. Helen worked at Fabri Tech and then at Ben Franklin until the store closed. Everyone knew her as the Ben Franklin Lady!!! Not liking retirement, they moved to the Twin Cities and worked together as caretakers of the Groveland Terrace Apartment Complex. They eventually returned to Amery where Helen continued her love of cooking, baking, and entertaining family and friends. She also catered special business and family events and decorated for various church activities. She had a lovely voice to sing and yodel, even playing along on the piano, pump organ, guitar, accordion and autoharp. Saturday nights were special nights for dancing to area polka bands.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kerwin; 8 siblings; and son-in-law, Gary Emerson. She is survived by her daughters, Ardys Emerson and Annette (Barry) Peterson; 3 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Little Falls Lutheran Church in Amery, WI. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church, beginning at 10:00 am. Following the service, the burial will take place at the Amery Cemetery.

Last Update: May 21, 2024 1:52 pm CDT