Mary Erickson

Mary Jane Erickson, 89, of Central Lake, died Mon. Aug. 22, 2011 at Munson Medical Center. She was born Aug. 20, 1922, in Lima, OH, the daughter of Harold and Sparta (Willmes) Bargar. Mary Jane worked for the Central Lake post office for 22 A½ years and the Traverse City post office for 7 A½ years before retiring in 1980. She was a long time member of the Grace Community Church. Mary Jane enjoyed bowling, reading, knitting, playing bridge and watching sports. She especially enjoyed Detroit sports teams. Her most cherished time was being with her family. On Sept. 22, 1949 in Central Lake, she married Franklin L. Erickson who survives. Also surviving are her 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, Marilyn (Jerry) Barnhart of Oxford, 12 grandchildren Glen (Allyson) Reid of Brownstown Twp., Christine (Alan) Welton of Rockford, Wendy Fowler of Traverse City, Paul Erickson of Minot, ND, Katrina (AJ) Morris of Scottville, Adam (Lona) VanLoozenoord of Byron Center, Julia VanLoozenoord of Grand Rapids, Steven VanLoozenoord of Ada, Naomi VanLoozenoord of Ada, Jessica Kucharek of Schaumburg, IL, Rebecca (Rich) Eckerson of St. Johns, Brian Barnhart of Oxford, and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Joseph F. Erickson, and 2 brothers Harold and James Bargar. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 26, at 2 p.m. at Grace Community Church with Rev. Max Tracey officiating. Interment will be in Southern Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday, August 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial donations may be directed to Munson Medical Center Heart Center. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.