Bruce E. Erickson, 88, of Kohler died on Friday evening, December 11, 2020 while at the Sharon S.
Richardson Community Hospice Center.
Bruce was born on January 25, 1932 in Grand Marais, MI, the son of Edward and Fern (Desjardin)
Erickson. He graduated from Grand Marais High School in 1949, followed by receiving advanced degrees
at St. Norbert College and the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Bruce served our country with the US
Army for two years and graduated from Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA and left the service with the
rank of first lieutenant. Bruce was a guidance counselor for Kohler Public School for 24 years prior to his
retirement in 1990. Previously he worked at schools in Gilmanton, Chippewa Falls, and Juneau,
Wisconsin.
Bruce married the love of his life, Mary Ann Rieman in Chippewa Falls on March 12, 1955. Mary Ann
preceded Bruce in death on January 15, 2015 following 59 years of marriage.
Bruce was a member of St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Kohler where he taught CCD. He was also
a member of the Wisconsin State Guidance Assoc and served as a treasurer and awards chairman. Bruce
coached high school basketball and baseball. His basketball teams won over 300 games and numerous
conference and tournament championships. He took the Kohler teams to the Wisconsin State
Tournament in 1972 and 1976 finishing second in 1976. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball
Coaches Hall of Fame in 2009. Bruce enjoyed traveling, fishing, photography, writing, history, and media
production. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the Green House in Grand
Marais, MI.
He is survived by his two daughters, Jean (Nick) Zanoni of Milwaukee and Beth (George Chemers)
Erickson of Lake Bluff, IL; his two sons, Joseph (Lucia) Erickson of Katy, TX, and Thomas (Daphne)
Erickson of Whitefish Bay. He is also survived by Mary Nelson of Shorewood; eight grandchildren,
Christopher (Emily) Zanoni, Natalie (Jen) Zanoni, Teddy Chemers, Rachel, Siena, and Dane Erickson,
Charles (Chelsea) and John Erickson.
Bruce was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Erickson; one sister, Linda
(Robert) Mitchell and one brother, Edwin Erickson.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Kohler
on Friday, December 18, 2020 with Rev Bob Lotz officiating. The public is invited to join the service via
livestream by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/bruceerickson .The public is invited to a burial service
at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler Friday at 10:30 am. Masks and social distancing guidelines will be
required. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be open to family and friends at a later date.
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com
A memorial fund is being established in his memory for the Grand Marais, Michigan Historical Society,
the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, and the Kohler School Foundation.
The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls is serving the family.
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