F. L. Skip Erickson

Rockford- F.L. "Skip" Erickson, 76, passed away Monday, August 3, 2009 at Anam Care Center with his children at his side. Born, May 27, 1933 in Ramsay, MI to Harriet & Dominic Spagnoletti. He was raised by the man he called "Pa" , Robert M. Erickson. He was a loving father of 12 children. Skip had a generous and giving heart, contributing to his community in numerous ways. He was in the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-1954 and in the Reserves for an additional 4 years. He then served his community as a policeman with the Rockford Police Department from 1963-1993, retiring as Investigator in the ID Bureau. After retirement, he worked as a Courier for AmCore Bank from 1994-2007. Skip was a member of American Legion post 2910, the Moose Lodge No.0163 and was a 3 rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus No.470. A life-long Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan and a long-time parishioner of St. Peters Church in South Beloit. His children wish to thank the staff and administration of Anam Care for the wonderful care they gave their dad "You have all become family to us!" They also would like to thank Dr. Craig Rogers and his staff for the excellent care of their father and compassion for his family. Skip is survived by daughters SuzAnne (Dan) Lewis, Debbie Brainerd, Peggy (Douglas) Dobbins, Sandra (Michael) Keckler, Judy Dibbles, Michele Mott, Christina (Rusty) Rafool, Candi (Jeremy) Turpin, Jennifer (Kyle) Roux, and survived by sons Michael Erickson, James (Kris Smith) Erickson, and Jeffrey (Becky Vitale) Erickson. He was a loving grandfather to Brandy & Michael Erickson, Brian & Tony Montalbano, Jesse Dobbins, Christin Smith, Sean Keckler, Erinn Bauman, Natalie Smith, Angelique Cardenas-Erickson, Zachery & Briana Erickson, Heather & Michael Rafool, Justin & Stephanie Rowden, & Amy Turpin, and Ella Roux; loving great-grandfather to 8 great-grandchildren. He was also a devoted and special brother to Jacquelyn Cremeens and Ron (Marilyn) Smith; loving and special uncle to Pamela Cremeens and Paula Cremeens-Rudeen, and Sheri Ingersoll, Rick & Randy Smith. Also survived by former wife Jean (Diedrick) Bull and pre-deceased by former wife Mary Sue (Sciortino) Erickson. Pre-deceased as well by parents Harriet & Robert Erickson. Funeral Mass, Friday, August 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Father William E. Wentink officiating. Entombment in Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation Thursday, August 6 from 4 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a rosary service to be recited at 7 p.m. The family asks that any donations be given to Anam Care, 8104 Sayer Road, Rockford, IL 61108 in their dads memory to continue to provide exceptional care for those living with dementia and their families.