Robert D. "Bob" Erickson, age 81, of the Town of Vinland, passed away Sunday evening, September 26, 2010, at home surrounded in person and spirit by the love of his family, following a long battle with cancer. Bob was born May 15, 1929 in the Town of Winchester, the son of Edwin and Myrtle (Swenson) Erickson. He married Betty Pagel on September 11, 1948 and was married until her death in 2005. He grew up in the Winchester/ Larsen area. He and his wife always had an open door at their home. In addition to their own family, they took care of and supported five foster children. Anyone had a place to stay if needed. Bob was a truck driver for Courtney & Plummer and also drove semi for Oshkosh B Gosh for over 30 years. In addition, Bob also owned and operated Bob's Auto Wrecking for many years. Bob was an avid deer hunter, a volunteer for many years with the Vinland Volunteer Fire Dept., and was an enthusiastic supporter of 4-H with his children and grandchildren. In his retirement years, he liked to salvage and fish on the pond. When he wasn't doing this, you could find him spending some time at the casino going "ching ching."

Bob is loved and will be missed by his children, Glenn (Nancy) Erickson, Gloria Erickson, Karen (Jim) Ingala, Carol (Bob) Bergstrom; daughter in law, Shari Erickson; grandchildren, Eric (Jen) Janikowski, Becky (Matt) Sahli, Olivia (Jeff) Herrick, Noah Mattern, Rachel (Fiancé Eric) Erickson, Samantha Erickson and Krista Erickson; five great grandsons, Owen, Alex, Mason, Carter and Hunter; long time friend and care taker, Gail Bambrough; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Myrtle; wife, Betty; son, Alan "Sam" and brother Everett.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, October 1, 2010, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1140 Tullar Rd., Neenah from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. and then again on Saturday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Jon Gallatin and Chaplain K.C. Schuller officiating. A memorial in Bob's name is being established.

The family would like to thank Theda Care Hospice, especially Joe, for the caring, compassionate guidance given to Bob and the rest of his family.