Hubert “Hub” Erickson

Escanaba, MI
Hubert “Hub” Erickson (“The Lifesaver Man” ), age 96, of Escanaba passed away on Tuesday May 7, 2013.

Hubert was born September 15, 1916 in Stonington, Michigan, the oldest of six children of August and Hilma (Hanson) Erickson. He was raised in Escanaba where, as a young boy, he delivered the early morning newspaper six days a week and enjoyed playing high school football. He was a member of the Quarterback Club. Hubert graduated from the Escanaba High School in 1935.

Hubert married Phyllis Johnson of Escanaba on November 26 ,1940 and they had one daughter, Suzanne. They were happily married for 62 years.

Hubert had a hard work ethic. Soon after graduation, he went to work for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) until 1940. In August of 1940, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country during World War II, fighting in the South Pacific Islands. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Upon completing business school, Hubert went to work for Delta Coal and Dock Company in Gladstone which eventually became Upper Lakes Coal Company. Hubert served as the CEO until his retirement. He was a longtime member and usher at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Escanaba, a member and Past Commander of the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71, a member of the Marine Corps League and the VFW. He participated in numerous American Legion and Marine state and local function such as the annual meetings, state financial committee, marching in various parades and the Toys for Tots.

Hubert loved spending time with his family, and being at his camp in Watson and traveling around the country and to Canada with his wife Phyllis. He especially loved living in Escanaba and was a true ambassador for the city highlighting various points of interest and giving numerous tours of the park to all who visited him.

Hubert is survived by his daughter, Suzanne (Robert) Huebel of Flushing, MI; two granddaughters, Wendy of Houston, TX and Katie of Maumee, OH; his sister, Carol (David Johnson) Evenson of Inver Grove, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; his parents; mother and father-in-law, Edward and Marvel Johnson, a sister, Elizabeth Bruce and three brothers, August Erickson Jr., John Erickson and Donald Erickson.

The family would like to offer a very special thanks to; Laurie and Jeff Beggs, Nancy Beck, Ken and Lynn Casperson, JoAnnette Devault and Debbie Erickson.
The Erickson family will receive friends on Friday, May 10 from 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Rites will be presented at 4:45 PM by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Funeral services will follow at 5:00 PM with Rev. Fr. Gilbert Neurohr officiating. Hubert will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Hubert’s name may be directed to a charity of one