Paul Andrew Erickson, age 71, of St. Jude Assisted Living Center in Escanaba, formerly of Rapid River passed away Friday morning, July 9, 2010 at the St. Jude Assisted Living Center where he was a resident.
 
Paul was born December 22, 1938 in Escanaba, MI the son of Andrew and Edith (Lagerquist) Erickson.  He was raised in Rapid River where he was 1957 graduate of Rapid River High School.  Following graduation, Paul served his country in the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.  Following his honorable discharge, he continued to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserves.
 
Upon his discharge from the Army, Paul continued his education at Saginaw Valley State University where he played basketball.  He returned to Rapid River where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Rapid River.
 
Paul was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River and he was a lifetime member of the Rapid River American Legion Post #301.
 
Survivors include several cousins.
 
Paul’s family will receive friends on Tuesday July 13, 2010 from 3:30 to 3:50 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Rapid River American Legion Post #301 Military Rites will follow at 3:50 PM.  Funeral services celebrating the life Paul Erickson will follow at 4:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home with Rev. Stephen Gauger of the Calvary Lutheran Church officiating.  Burial will be in the Rapid River Cemetery in Rapid River.  The Skradsk-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Erickson family.