Dewaine Edwin Erickson (89) of Effingham

Dewaine Edwin Erickson, 89, of Effingham, IL, passed away at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital on Monday, November 13, 2023.

Dewaine was born on July 25, 1934, the son of Edwin C. Erickson and Anita M. (Newman) Erickson. He grew up in the small town of Ellsworth, WI; and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1952, and St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN in 1956 with a degree in both Economics and Political Science. He married Kathleen A. Kelly on June 16, 1956, in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plum City, WI. Together, they raised two children, Bradley and Karen. They were life-long partners, sharing 67 wonderful years of marriage. Dewaine was employed in various management positions by JCPenney for 38 years and was recognized with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence 4 times throughout his career. After retirement, they split their time between Effingham and their family vacation home in northwest Wisconsin, a popular gathering place for family and friends. There was time for travel, water activities, fishing, and all-time favorite, deer season up north.

Dewaine is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Bradley (Kendra) Erickson of Sussex, WI; daughter, Karen Cave of New Albany, IN; grandchildren, Kira Erickson, Brian (Maggie) Cave, Brett (Adrienne) Cave, and Stephanie (Ian) O’Boyle; great-grandchildren, Jude, Navy, Benjamin, and Emmett Cave; and brother, Gerald (Barbara) Erickson of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Eddie Oscar (Minnie) Erickson and Anton (Minnie) Newman; and son-in-law, David Cave.

He will be greatly missed by the many people who love him.

Services and interment will be held at a later date in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ellsworth, WI. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.