William J. Erickson

William Joseph 'Billy Joe' Erickson, of Polson, MT died at St. Joseph Medical Center early on Sunday, March 7, 2010 He was born on August 26, 1931 in Kalispell, MT to Joseph and Nellie (Brown) Erickson. Bill moved to Polson when he was in grade school and graduated from Polson High School in 1950. He attended the college of Puget Sound for one year then transferred to the University of Montana, but joined the Navy in 1952 before graduating. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1956 as an Aerographer, 1st Class. In 1952, Bill married Arlene Hern. Bill and Arlene moved to Seattle in 1962 where Bill was a cost accountant for the Austin Company, and later, Fenton Industries. In 1973, they returned to Polson where he became a real estate broker. He also served for a period on the board of Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Bill's greatest passion was singing. He sang in high school, college, and the Navy and was a tenor for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir. He loved the game of golf, and after retiring, rarely missed a day on the course. He was an avid reader, he dabbled in photography and painting, and when her was younger he enjoyed building model ships and airplanes. Bill was well known for his mischievous wit and good sense of humor. All will miss the sound of his laugh. His parents, Joseph and Nellie, and a sister, Elaine, who died at birth, preceded Bill in death. Survivors include his wife Arlene Erickson, and daughters, Jan (Allen) Woodard of Seattle, WA and Jill (David) Spear of Polson. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010, 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 409 4th Ave. E., Polson. Memorials can be made in his memory to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Erickson's family.
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