Eileen M. Erickson, age 99, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully at Lakeview Assisted Living with her family by her side on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Eileen was born May 28, 1925 in Thompson, MI, the daughter of Fred and Francis (Gasperich) Coleman. She graduated from Gladstone High School in 1944. Eileen was united in marriage to Floyd Bonno in 1944, and together they had two children, Iris and Mark. Following Floyd’s untimely death, Eileen and Marvin (Mush) Erickson were married in 1959 and had three daughters: Melodi, Penny, and Candy. They shared 30 wonderful years raising their family until his passing in 1989. Eileen was blessed to find another loving partner in Tony Miron, with whom she shared over 30 years.
Family was very important to Eileen, and she took great joy in caring for everyone. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and had a passion for singing and dancing from a young age. Eileen was a devoted member of All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone, where she actively participated in church events and found comfort in her faith.
Along with her husband, Mush, Eileen owned and operated Mush’s Bar in Gladstone. The bar became a local favorite, known for its warm atmosphere and Eileen’s welcoming presence.
Eileen is survived by her children: Mark Bonno of Soo Hill, MI; Melodi (Jim) Gravelle of Gladstone, MI; Penny (Fritz) Piette of Black Creek, WI; Candy (Tim) Barron of Cornell, MI. She is further survived by her grandchildren: Susie (Bill) DuBord, Steven (April) Johnson, Doug (Heather) Bonno, Brian (Debbie Farkas) Bonno, Craig Bonno, Amy (Josh) Miron, Jeremy Brock, Josh (Drew) Brock, Cassie (Evan) Maurer, Jared Piette, Trevor Piette, Hannah Piette, Keenan Barron, and Emmie Barron, 9 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, Tony Miron, numerous nieces and nephews, and daughter-in-law Sue Bonno.
She was preceded in death by her husbands Floyd Bonno and Marvin Erickson, her daughter and son-in-law Iris and Jim Johnson, her great-grandson Sam Larson, and her mother.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church with Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Eileen was laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Lakeview Assisted Living, A New Dahn Rising, OSF, and UP Health System Hospice for their kind care of Eileen.
Eileen’s family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.
Betsy Gasperich - Richton Park, IL
My dear Auntie Eileen was my cousin but was 20 years older then I…so always called her Auntie out of
respect and love! She was so much fun…full of life and loved to dance! She was a model of loving the moment and enjoying the dance….and casino! The last time we visited we talked all about family and the stories of her and her Mom coming to the U.P. With Vi, a dear friend who saved them from a troubling situation! Then we shared photos of her first marriage to Uncle Floyd Bonno and her wonderful life with Mush Erickson and her awesome children…I knew Iris and Mark the best! The other cousins I met at Iris’s home! You all had a great Mom, Grandmother & Great Grandmother! I was privileged to have had Eileen and all the family in my life!
So sorry for your loss as she will be missed and forever in our hearts! Love always, my dear cousins, from Betsy Gasperich
Genevieve Morley - Gladstone, Mi
I knew Ilene from being at New Dahn .She had a beautiful voice and would sing songs all day. She must be in singing songs in heaven.She was a very nice person. May she rest in peace.
Arlene Gssperich (and girls) - Broadview , IL
So sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing –Sending our deepest sympathies! My late husband (Rudy Gasperich) was Eileen’s Uncle so that made me her Aunt and part of the “family”. Funny thing –Eileen and I both graduated high school together in 1944!
When my family came to Gladstone to visit, we always stopped to see Eileen over the years. She was always smiling and happy. She will be missed! Eileen can now
“Dance” all day and night in heaven without resting. ❤️