Carl Erickson Jr.

He was born November 3, 1937, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, a son of the late Carl L. and Dorothy (Brazeau) Erickson. As a child, work took Carl, his father, mother, and sister, Beverly, many different places, but Bay City, Michigan was called home. Carl (Bucky) enjoyed horseback riding, and had a few different horses when he was young at their family home in Pinconning, Michigan just outside of Bay City.

Carl attended college for two years, and joined the US Marine Corps in 1958 serving during the Korean Conflict for three years. He was discharged with a medal of Good Conduct. He returned to Pinconning, married the former Agnes Poniatowski and together they had four children. Carl then became a snowmobile sales rep, which took him and his family to Minnesota, Ohio, and Marquette, MI.

Carl did many things, but to summarize him, he was a construction worker and an avid deer hunter. He worked many types of heavy equipment from bulldozers in a swamp to remote controlled cranes in a papermill. He owned and operated Erickson & Company with his Father. He relocated to Alaska where he performed those same type of services before moving to Idaho where he worked as a deputy sheriff. He semi-retired in Florida, and then moved to Marquette area to be near his grown children, grandchildren and continue his passion for hunting.

Carl was a cowboy at heart and a singer-guitar player most of his life. He recorded two records in the 1980s and participated in many talent shows. In all of his travels nothing was more important than his children and grandchildren. He liked to joke and would frequently catch people off guard with his quick wit and humor. If Carl could make you happy, then he was happy.

He is survived by his children, Carl Erickson of Rockford, MI, Rebecca (Brad) Adams, Francine (Ed) Sanderson, and Michelle (Bernard) Lane of Marquette; grandchildren, Jessica (Jon), Edward, Charlie (Liz), Melanie (Andy), Mason, Nik (Carl the 6th); great-grandchildren: Elin, Wilhelmina, Adalynn and Logan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Beverly Erickson, and son in-law, Terry (Beaver) Bell.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11 am at St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette with Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber and Rev. Brandon Oman officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Mass in the Bishops Room. Military Honors will be provided by the Marquette American Legion and US Marine Corps. Interment will take place in Floral Gardens Cemetery in Bay City, Michigan.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.