Mary L. Erickson

Mary Lou Erickson, age 81, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2010, at HospiceCare.  She was born on March 15, 1929 in Madison, WI to Merlyn and Berdella (Muehlenbruch) Sachtjen.  She was the oldest girl of seven children.  Mary helped care for her younger siblings before her own marriage.  She married Rodney J. Erickson on January 14, 1951 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Madison.  They moved into a home on Atwood Avenue where they raised three children.  As time passed, she cared for her grandchildren as well as her mother-in-law and own mother as they aged.  She was an extremely compassionate and caring woman, an angel on earth.  Mary also enjoyed cooking and hosted many family gatherings over the years where it was well known that no one would ever go home hungry.  She was an active member of the Pleiades Women's Group at Zion Lutheran Church.  She also enjoyed singing, watching ""Wheel of Fortune"" on television, listening to Broadway musicals, and playing the marble game with friends and family.  She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers.  Mary is survived by her children, David (Sharon) Erickson of Madison, Barbara (Gary) Richards of Sun Prairie, James (Deb) Erickson of Fitchburg; her grandchildren, Casey (Valerie) Erickson of Madison, Marcy (Scott) Gudgel of Cottage Grove, John (Mariah) Richards of Oregon, Katie (Nick) Miller of Iowa, Sarah Erickson and Russell Cazier of Brooklyn; her great-grandchild, Dillon Erickson of Madison; her brothers, Merlyn Sachtjen of Madison, Richard (Dodi) Sachtjen of Florida, Raymond Sachtjen of Madison; and her sister, Shirley (Joe) Thomas of Georgia.  Friends may call at 9:30 am until the service is held at 11 am on Friday, June 4, 2010 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church ( 2145 Linden Avenue) with Pastor Pat Siegler officiating.  The family would like to thank Hospice for the care of their mother during the past several weeks.  We would also request that all gifts be placed in Mary's memory to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or HospiceCare.  Mom, we will always carry you in our hearts.  Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Avenue (608) 249-6666