Kenneth W. Erickson

Kenneth Wayne Erickson, 90, of Wallace, died December 3, 2015 at the North Platte Care Center, surrounded by his family.

Kenneth was born September 15, 1925 at the family homestead south of Wallace to E. Albin and Ilo (Ferrell) Erickson. Kenneth attended school in Wallace where he graduated in 1943.

Kenneth was married to Bonnie Hise on January 3, 1945 in Oberlin, Kansas. They lived on their farm south of Wallace for their entire lives and raised all of their children at the family farm. To this union, six children were born, Connie, Jerry, Barbara, Susan, Peggy and Mary Jo. Kenneth and Bonnie also raised one niece, Doris, as their own. Kenneth and Bonnie celebrated 70 wonderful years of marriage in January, 2015.

Kenneth proudly served for the United States Army during World War ll from September 1, 1944 to July 5, 1946. At the age of only 20 years old, he was one of many soldiers who fought in the Battle of Bulge. Serving in the military was one of Kenneth's greatest honors. After his service during World War II, Kenneth cherished time spent with his fellow service men. He was a member of the Wallace Legion for almost 70 years and a member of the Nebraska 40&8 Veterans Organization for about 40 years. In 2007 Kenneth was chosen for the Honor Flight to Washington DC. He especially enjoyed the time spent with fellow veterans during that trip.

Kenneth served on several boards in his life time, including 16 years on the Wallace School Board, 12 years as a 4-H leader, and Wallace Coop board for several years. He was also a member of the Methodist Church, the Elks, and played on a bowling league.

Kenneth was operating his family farm when he received the conservation award in the 1960s. Kenneth loved to farm and loved all of the seasons, but his favorite time was harvest when he was able to bring in the crops and witness the fruits of his labor.

Kenneth was a wonderful neighbor and friend to everyone he met. He loved farming, spending time with his family, serving his community, country and God. He was a loving husband, dad, and grandpa. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Barbara; his brothers, Earlyn and Leonard; and one great-grandson, Dalton.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie, of Wallace; four daughters, Connie (Stan) Ham of Sterling, CO, Susan (Duane) McClintock of Wallace, Peggy (Mike) Baker of North Platte; and Mary Jo (Bruce) Hagge of Bloomfield; one son, Jerry (Jane) Erickson of Kearney; one son-in-law, Pat Sexson of Hershey; one daughter/niece, Doris (Nathan) Lindow of Amarillo, Tx; one son/nephew, Allen (Rita) Erickson of Hayes Center; one brother, Neal of Wallace; 27 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be shared online at bullocklongfuneralhome.com where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 7, 2015, at the Wallace United Methodist Church with Pastor Charles Nyamakope officiating. Burial with military honors will be at the Morningview Cemetery in Wallace. Visitation will be from 2 PM to 4 PM MT on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Bullock-Long Funeral Home.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.