Wade Richard Erickson, age 52 of Eveleth and formerly of Tower died Wednesday, November 23, 2011 in St. Mary's Medical Center, surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer. He was born December 22, 1958 in Minneapolis, MN the son of Ronald and Patricia (Mattson) Erickson. He graduated from Grantsburg, WI High School, where he was a State Champion in Track, and attended the University of Minnesota. Wade married Bonnie Brantner on October 17, 1987 in Columbia Heights, MN. He was employed in the cabinet business in Plymouth and the nursery industry in Oregon prior to owning and operating the Erickson's Hardware Hank in Tower. He was currently employed by Wayne Transport in Virginia, MN. Wade was a member of the Penguin's Snowmobile Club where he volunteered as a groomer driver, and a former member of the Tower Lions Club. He cherished family time, spending time with his buddies and friends, and his collection of "big boy's toys". Wade will be remembered for his genuine smile, his gregarious nature, his charismatic personality, his great sense of humor, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Wade is survived by his wife of 24 years: Bonnie; son: Josh of Minneapolis, daughter: McKenzie of Eveleth; mother: Patricia Erickson of Minneapolis; brother: Todd (Cheroyl) Erickson of Carlton, OR; father and mother-in-law: Vern and Angie Brantner; brothers and sisters-in law: Patty and Tom Ely, Dennis Brantner, Cheryl and Rusty Rothfus, and Brian Brantner; numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father: Ronald; and a sister: Elizabeth.
A Gathering Time for Family and Friends will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Bauman Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. The gathering time will continue Wednesday, November 30th from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Service in Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia. Reverend Father John O'Donnell will officiate.
Memorials are preferred.
Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share personal condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Born: December 22, 1958 Place of Birth: Minneapolis, MN Death: November 23, 2011 Place of Death: Duluth, MN Occupation: Business Management Hobbies: He cherished family time, spending time with his buddies and friends, and his collection of "big boy's toys". Organizations: Penguin'sSnowmobile Club, former member of Tower Lions Club Gathering Time for Family & Friends Tuesday November 29, 2011 , 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel
Gathering Time for Family & Friends Wednesday November 30, 2011 , 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Celebration of Life Service Wednesday November 30, 2011 , 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church
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Memorials are preferred