Obituary: Greg Erickson, 71, of Ludington

Greg Erickson

Greg Russell Erickson, 71, of Ludington, passed away after a short battle with cancer, on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

Greg was born on February 17, 1953, the son of the late Robert and Margaret (Duplessis) Erickson. He was a student at Ludington Area Catholic School, and a graduate of Ludington High School in 1972. He attended college at West Shore Community College, and Kendall School of Art & Design in Grand Rapids. Greg worked many years as a foreman at the Carrom Company, then having brief stints at Brill’s Manufacturing, Midstate Bolt & Screw and AJ’s Party Port. Greg spent his last years working at Northwood Signs, a place of employment which he valued greatly.

Greg was generally a very happy, positive person. He had a love for life, and a love for all those who were in his. What was most important to him was family. He married the love of his life, Laurie Ann Carlson, on August 18, 1979. They enjoyed many parties together, until things settled down a bit and they had their only child, Kara June, in the summer of 1988. Greg was a loving husband, greeting his wife each morning with “Good morning, beautiful.” He was a proud, supportive dad, attending every after school activity throughout the years. He loved his large, extended family, hosting them for Halloween at his house, and Fourth of July at his daughter’s house, and gathering each week for Family Dinner at Sportsman’s Restaurant. A man of routine, he hated to miss a Thursday with his “beer buddy,” Dave Wright, at Jamesport Brewing Company, or a Sunday “church & brunch” date with his cousin Patti. He was fond of animals, and particularly cats; his companion, Sweetheart, is lost without his lap. Greg was a family man, loving to entertain his in-laws for Christmas, we will miss his emcee role for Family Feud with the Carlson’s this year.

Greg was an artist by nature. He enjoyed gardening and each year, he hoped for a bigger pumpkin than the last. He was meticulous in planning his garden, and keeping care of his yard; it was something that brought him pride and joy. He grew concord and riesling grapes; he always seemed to have homemade wine fermenting or waiting to be bottled. Greg had an artistic eye and enjoyed creating art throughout his life, whether it be drawing or photographing portraits of the family, designing and carving pumpkins, placing the lights on a real Christmas tree, or working on getting the signs just right at his most recent job, he would strive for perfection. Greg loved to be entertained, he would catch you up on the new show he was watching, or have an old black and white film on the television, quoting the lines or discussing who’s who. He loved a good radio show, 40’s Big Band music and even gave playing the clarinet a try.

A man who loved adventure, Greg was a big kid at heart. Naming his daughter after Supergirl, Greg loved reading comics- his extensive Superman comic collection is evidence, as well as his daily check-ins to his comic websites. Greg loved aerospace, be it Father’s Day “fly-ins” at the local airport, stunt planes, skydiving, launching off homemade rockets, or flying a kite at the beach, he loved the thrill and the satisfaction of freedom in the air. Road trips with his wife to “wine country” and brewery tours were a favorite pastime, especially during the fall color. They loved visiting Stormcloud Brewery in Frankfort. A trip to the casino to play blackjack or video poker was a treat. Greg was an avid bowler when he was younger. Growing up and growing old with a pool table provided sharp competition on a game of 8-ball. His famous trick shot could always bring a laugh. Greg was a guy who loved a joke, of which he had many, and loved to keep a smile on his face.

Greg is survived by his “first” wife of 45 years, Laurie (Carlson) Erickson; daughter Kara (Kyle) Jensen; beloved cat Sweetheart; brothers, Bob (Cheryl) Erickson, Dennis (Barb) Erickson, Jerry (Linda) Erickson, Jon (Becky) Erickson; sisters, Janet (George) Sanders, Sara (Scott) Kleon, Lisa (Morgan) Boggs; sisters-in-law, Debra Carlson; Kim (Dan) Fonnesbeck; cousin and favorite Sunday brunch partner, Patricia Hunter; cousin Brenda Reeber; cousin Tom (Sue) Eriksen; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Erickson; beloved maternal aunt Delores Duplessis; in-laws, Donald and Josephine Carlson; cousin George Reeber.

A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington with Rev. Wayne B. Wheeler Jr. officiating. Visitation will begin at noon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Community Cats TNR, P.O. Box 384, Ludington, MI 49431.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.