Thomas 'Yogi' Erickson
Thomas “Yogi” Erickson, 69, of Wauzeka, passed away on April 1, 2020, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse after a courageous battle with cancer.
Yogi was born on Aug. 21, 1950, to Bart and Florence (Layde) Erickson.
Yogi attended St. Gabriel’s grade school and Prairie du Chien High School. He graduated in 1968. In his younger days, Yogi loved to play ball. Some of his favorite memories were made on the field. He married Marilyn Groom on Oct. 24, 1970. Together, they had three children.
Yogi worked for the Milwaukee Railroad until a work-related injury caused him to retire. In 1981, Yogi purchased Sportsman’s Lounge in Wauzeka. Over the years, it simply became known as Yog’s. He operated it up until his passing. He appreciated his faithful customers over the years and looked forward to visiting with them. Yogi always made sure he had candy bars and ice cream treats on hand when his grandkids visited...much to their delight. He enjoyed traveling with many friends over the years. There is not much of the country he hadn’t seen. Yogi enjoyed cheering on the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. He was also a fan of NASCAR. He enjoyed bowling many years in a league and even bowled a perfect 300 before having to give it up. A perfect day for Yogi was one spent on the golf course with his family and friends while enjoying a few Budweisers.
Yogi is survived by his significant other of many years, Cindy Geisler; his children, Chris Erickson, Chad (Candice) Erickson, and Kelly (Kevin) Kilburg; his eight grandchildren, Luke, Nikki, Avery, Channing, Oaklyn, Caycen, Porter, and Camdyn; his brother-in-law, David Swiggium; his sister-in-law, Judy Peterson; his godson, Ted Groom; and many nieces and nephews.
Yogi was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mike; and sister, Cheri.
Yogi loved to tell stories about his childhood. He always said he was very lucky to have the family he did. He adored his parents and siblings. He is now reunited with them.
A private family funeral service is being planned for a future date with interment in the Wauzeka Cemetery. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.
