Russell "Pete" Erickson

RUSSELL L. "PETE" ERICKSON December 10, 1940 - June 28, 2015 Russell L."Pete" Erickson passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at his home in Gleneden Beach, Oregon. Pete was born on December 10, 1940 in Davenport, Iowa to Lawrence and Mildred Erickson, both of whom preceded him in death. At an early age Pete developed a love for people and working with his hands. This led him to join the Iron Workers Union Local 111 in Rock Island, Illinois. He was a loyal and dedicated member from 1967 until his death. Pete's passion for life included his wife of 29 years, Joyce L. Erickson (deceased 2008), "Tommy the cat" (deceased 2015), golf, and fishing. His love for fishing nearly cost him his life in 1988 when he was on a chartered fishing boat (The Cougar) out of Depoe Bay, Oregon. The boat sank 48 miles off shore causing several people to lose their lives. Pete's courage and dedication led to saving four other passengers and crew. This heroic act earned Pete the United States Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service Award in 1991. Pete's passion for golf resulted in many friendships at the Salishan Golf Resort. His golf skills also enabled him to make two holes in one. Always eager to serve his community, Pete was elected to the Gleneden Beach Sanitary District in 2003 and was recently reelected in May of this year to another 4 year term. Pete is survived by his brother Richard "Dick" (Nan) Erickson, nephew Sean Erickson, and nieces Deborah Erickson, Kimberly (Erickson) Gladbach, stepsons David (Connie) Heinrich and Dan (Linda) Heinrich and numerous step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at St Peter Lutheran Church, 14th St & Highway 101, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367. A reception will follow at the church. Pete was a cherished member and supporter of St. Peter the Fisherman Lutheran church, which was founded and actually constructed by Joyce Erickson's father and David and Dan's grandfather, Carl Voges. In keeping with Pete's wishes, in lieu of flowers the family requests Memorial contributions be made to the St Peter Lutheran Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 169, Lincoln City, OR 97367, 541-994-8793

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Russell "Pete" Erickson

December 10, 1940 - June 28, 2015