Gilbert R. "Gilly" Erickson

BESSEMER, Mich. - Gilbert R. "Gilly" Erickson, 93, a lifelong resident of Bessemer, passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2015.

Gilly was born on Nov. 6, 1922, in Bessemer, a son of Herman and Elizabeth (Gustafson) Erickson. He attended Bessemer schools and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1942.

Gilly was an honorably discharged World War II veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the 10th Mountain Division. He was severely injured on April 27, 1945, in Italy. Gilly received the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, the Marksman's Cross for high scores, American Theatre Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge and the Good Conduct Medal.

Returning to Bessemer, Gilly ran the family farm for a short time. He then worked at Peterson Mine and White Pine Copper Company. Gilly concluded his working career at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility. He retired on March 6, 1984.

Gilly was a devoted member of Sharon Lutheran Church, where he enjoyed being a part of the Social Ministry for 20 years. Gilly was a life member of both the American Legion Post 27 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673 in Bessemer. He took pleasure in working with Helping Hands at Gogebic Medical Care Facility and was a long-time member of the Harding Community Club. Gilly was a fireman with the Bessemer Township Volunteer Fire Department for more than 22 years.

He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, trapping and manicuring his lawn.

Gilly is survived by a sister, Elaine Doose, of Park Ridge, Ill., and several special nieces and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Vernon, in infancy, Edwin and Elmer; four sisters, Blanche Ielmini, Esther Slavin, Myrtle Johnson and Alice Doose; and long-time companion, Marian Kleimola.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. until noon, at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer.

A funeral service will follow the visitation at noon, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

His family will serve as pallbearers.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of Bessemer American Legion Post 27 and Bessemer VFW Post 3673 Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at Kastman Hall at the church following the military service.

Committal services and interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer, in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gilly to Sharon Lutheran Church, 100 E. Sellar St., Bessemer, MI 49911.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Chris Pogliano and the staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility for their excellent care of Gilly during his stay there.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made to lakesidememorialchapel.com.

Keeping with Gilly's wonderful sense of humor, he claimed his obituary would only need to say:  "Gilbert R. Erickson passed away, lawnmower for sale."