Franklin Erickson

Franklin L. Erickson, 89 of Central Lake, died peacefully at home, Wed. Dec. 24, 2014. He was born January 29, 1925 in Ellsworth, MI, the son of Ernest and Naomi (Carpenter) Erickson. He proudly served in the US Army from October, 1943 to November, 1945. After the Army service, Frank was appointed acting Postmaster of Central Lake, April 4, 1948 with permanent appointment the following year. This position was held until August, 1983 when appointed to Postmaster of Kalkaska. He retired May 1, 1985 due to illness. Frank was a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees - joined at age 50. At their convention of 1987, he was elected State Federation President of NARFE, a position held until 1996 when he had a stroke. During this time we were able to get legislation passed through the MI legislation and Senate and signed by Gov. Engler exempting all retirees from state income tax. On September 22, 1949 in Central Lake, he married Mary Jane Bargar who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his son Joseph F. Erickson as well as his brother David Erickson and sister Donna Groombridge. Surviving are his 2 brothers Willard (Nell) Erickson and John (Betty) Erickson all of Nashville,GA, his children Jean Anne (Glen) Reid of Flat Rock, Paul (Terrie) Erickson of Minot, ND, Barbara (Bob) VanLoozenoord of Ada, Diane (Mark) Kucharek of Central Lake and Marilyn (Jerry) Barnhart of Oxford, 12 grandchildren Glen (Allyson) Reid of Brownstown Twp., Christine (Alan) Welton of Grand Rapids, Wendy Fowler of Traverse City, Paul Erickson of Minot, ND, Katrina (AJ) Morris of Scottville, Adam (Lona) VanLoozenoord of Byron Center, Julia (Justin) Rodino of Snoqualmie, WA, Steven VanLoozenoord of Ada, Naomi VanLoozenoord of Ada, Jessica (Tom) Parker of East Jordan, Rebecca Eckerson of Lansing, Brian Barnhart of Titusville, FL with 12 great grand-children and 1 great-great grandson. Memorial services will be held Tues. Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at the Central Lake Bible Baptist Church with Pastor Russell Tharp officiating. Interment will be in Southern Cemetery, Central Lake. The family will receive friends Mon. Dec. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial donations may be made to Munson Medical Center Heart Center. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.