John Edward Erickson
May 16, 1937-Jan. 2, 2022
Published on website of Hoven Funeral Home:
Obituary
John Edward Erickson, 84, of Buchanan, MI, passed away in his sleep on January 2, 2022.
He was born in Niles, MI on May 16, 1937 to Edward and Myrna Erickson.
John had an adventuresome life traveling by several modes of transportation. Starting with his bicycle going as fast as he could. His dad purchased his first car when John turned 13. He went with his dad to have the windshield installed and was able to help by putting screws that held it in place. The owner offered him a job and set John on a career of glass replacement. John spent the next 21 years working at Niles Glass Works with 2 owners. In 1971, he opened his own glass company, Johns Glass, located on 9th street in Niles. This allowed him the time off he wanted to pursue his dreams. Motorcycles were a big part of his journey taking several trips with friends and family. When John turned 50, he bought an airplane and that opened a whole new method to see the country. John graduated from Niles Community Schools, class of 1955.
John is survived by his wife, Ruth Webb (Pedzinski) Erickson; children, Rick (Barb) Erickson, Ann Erickson, Tim (Marcia) Pedzinski, Jon (Amy) Pedzinski; grandchildren, Oscar (Jennifer) Davis, Edward (Tasha) Davis, Erin (Matt) Fillio, Ashley Erickson, Kayce Erickson, Thomas (Cari-Anne) Erickson, Suzanne (Bill) Fredrick, Rebecca Pedzinski, Jeni Pedzinski, Emily Pedzinski; along with 15 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia Spaulding, Lucille Swartz, Ruth (Kenard) Feltz; brothers-in-law, David (Sue) Webb, Donald Webb, Philip (Billie) Webb; sister-in-law, Bethany Webb; and many nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Myrna; first wife, Kemlyn Ann (Finch) Erickson; twin sisters, Erma Keifer and Myrna VanBrocklin; brothers-in-law, Nolan Spaulding, and Vernon James Webb.
His mechanical skills were a big part of who he was. Even after losing his eyesight to macular degeneration; he rebuilt several of his buddies garden tractor engines.
He spent his retirement traveling with his love, Ruth, and also spent a lot of time with his buddies at the McDonalds in Niles until Covid disrupted the connections he held so dear. He missed the conversations and always felt the pain as one of his friends would pass. John attended Summit Church in Niles.
The family would like to thank the caregivers of Hospice for the wonderful care John received.
John never met a stranger and all who knew him called him a friend.
Funeral service for John will be held at 11 am on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Summit Church, 1700 West River Rd., Niles, MI 49120. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at www.hovenfunerals.com.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of John to Summit Church, Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085, or Gideons International Processing Center, PO Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.