Vernon Dean Erickson, 83, of Danbury, WI, passed away on September 13, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who knew him. He was born on Jan 25, 1943, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Victor and Inga Erickson. Vern was the youngest of four brothers, Donald, Laurence and Gordon, whom he was very close to throughout his life. Vern’s father worked on the railroad and relocated his family to Superior WI, where Vern graduated High School and eventually resided for much of his life.

In 1964, Vern enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and he completed boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. Vern was deployed to Vietnam with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines where he served as a rifleman in the active-duty Infantry division from 1965 to 1966, receiving many decorations and commendations during his service. Following his time in Vietnam, Vern was appointed sergeant and became a drill instructor at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, before returning home.

From 1987 to 2005, Vern joined the Naval Reserves as a Petty Officer 1st Class Construction Mechanic and served in the Mobile Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit 111 (MIUWU). During his time in the Seabees - United States Naval Construction Battalion, Vern was recognized as being a “quiet leader who possesses the technical ability to repair almost anything.” He was well respected by his peers and superiors alike and he was considered a valued teacher in his field. Outside of the military, Vern worked as a mechanic in various positions, as well as in the construction industry. There was really nothing Vern couldn’t do, and he took great pride in never cutting corners and “doing things right”.

Vern shared 28 years with his former wife, Nancy, building a home in Poplar, WI, and raising their children Kari and Allan. Later in life, Vern found lasting companionship and a loving and devoted partner in Gloria Rea, sharing in life’s joys, quiet moments, and many adventures for 24 years. They resided together in Danbury WI, with Gloria’s daughter, Wanda, who was like a daughter to him.

Outside of work, Vern was a man of many talents. He had a natural gift for music and an exceptional ear for it, teaching himself (and his children) to play the guitar, accordion, and even some piano. Vern could often be found building things in his garage, meticulously tending to his yard, and taking road trips to the casino with Gloria and Wanda.

Vern was a natural gift giver, and it gave him great happiness weaving joy into the lives of others. Vern never met a punchline he couldn’t deliver, and he leaves us with a lifetime of smiles (and groans) from his endless supply of dad jokes and puns. Even in the hospital on his last days, he entertained the staff with one of his favs - “two blood cells met and fell in love, but sadly, it was all in vein”. When Vern wasn’t telling jokes, he could also be found telling stories or playing a game of Horses, Mexican Train, and Michigan Rummy with close family and friends.

Proceeded in death by his parents, and brothers.

Vern is survived by his partner, Gloria Rea; His children, Kari Bullard and Allan Erickson (Renee); Wanda Grainer, whom Vern considered a daughter; his grandchildren, Ashley Erickson, Sydney Bullard, and Molly Erickson; and 2 nephews Laurence (Russ) Erickson, and Gordon Erickson.

A graveside service with military honors will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery, located at 33286 WI-35, Danbury, WI 54830. A luncheon will follow at the Blaine Town Hall & Northland Community Center, located at 1232 E. School Road, Danbury, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following organizations in memory of Vernon:

Douglas County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund. The Douglas County Veterans Service Office uses this fund to assist veterans and their families who are experiencing emergency or basic needs, including rental assistance, food, transportation, utilities, and other emergencies.

Donations may be sent to: Douglas County Veterans Service Office c/o Soldiers and Sailors Relief Fund1316 North 14th Street, Suite 385Superior, WI 54880

Burnett County Veterans Assistance Fund. The Burnett County Veterans Service Office assists veterans and their families who are experiencing emergency or basic needs, including rental assistance, food, transportation, utilities, and other emergencies.

Donations may be sent to: Burnett County Veterans Service Office c/o Veterans Assistance Fund7410 County Road K, Suite 128Siren, WI 54872

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.