Doris Emma (Doepke) Erickson

On Monday, May 23, 2016, Doris Emma (Doepke) Erickson left the aches, pains, and crazy politics of this world behind and joined family, friends, and her Lord in eternal life, which she so richly deserved. Mom was born on November 23, 1923, in Wausau, WI to Fred Doepke and Celia (Meuret) Doepke. She grew up on the Doepke farm in Rib Mountain. Life on the farm was hard, but it held many precious memories for her. She loved the land and all it represented, often getting a faraway look in her eyes as she reminisced about milking cows and getting into mischief with her siblings and cousins. Mom graduated from Wausau High School in 1941. On April 15, 1950, she married Ogden Erickson at St. Paul's United Church of Christ where she was a lifelong member. They were loving parents to three children, Marge, Clark, and Karen, and devoted grandparents to Erin, Alison, and Gareth. Doris also had the extreme pleasure to become a great-grandma in 2015 to Charlotte Emma. During her 92 years, Mom worked in a variety of places beginning with Winkelman's Department Store and ending with her retirement from Zimpro in 1986. Mom's retirement allowed her to pursue her real calling in life; helping others. Our home had always been filled with friends and family. There was never a holiday meal without extra plates at the table and more food than anyone could consume. Mom took that caring spirit a step further and began to work for various assisted living and private care agencies. She loved interacting with the residents and continued on that career path for almost two decades. For the past two years Mom lived at Cedar Creek Manor and she still found joy and fulfillment in helping her fellow residents whenever possible. Mom is survived by her three children, Marjorie Erickson-Ongna, Clark Erickson, Karen (David) Erickson Baur; her grandchildren, Erin (Jason) Baur Kraus, Alison Ongna, and Gareth Baur (special friend Ali Wichlacz); her great-granddaughter Charlotte Kraus; her former son-in-law Bob Ongna, as well as nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents; siblings, Fred Doepke Jr., Ellen (Fred) Decker, and Janet (Bill) Huntington; her sisters-in-law Lillian Kautza and Ethel Prieve; and her nephew Fred Decker Jr.. Our family would like to thank Linda and the staff at Cedar Creek Manor for the care they gave to Mom. We are also grateful to Terri Schmidt at the Marshfield Clinic Weston Center for the kindness she displayed whenever Mom needed help transferring from the car to the clinic. As per Mom's wishes, a private burial was held. A celebration of a wonderful life will be held at a later date. A memorial fund is being established for the purchase of a bench at Doepke Park in Mom's memory. Karen and Marge would like to express their appreciation to Clark for all he has done for Mom. He went above and beyond for many years. Mom was very aware of that and, like us, appreciated his efforts every single day! Love you Mom.