LaVail George Erickson's Obituary
Hersey - LaVail George Erickson, 82, of Hersey, fell asleep in Jesus, resting until Christ soon return on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his family.
He was born February 22, 1938, in Grant Center, the son of Theodore and Jenny (Brininstool) Erickson, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1957. LaVail then served with the U.S. Army for three years.
Following his discharge, he returned to the area, and worked for Eaton Brothers Builders for several years. A member of Local # 202 , LaVail was the foreman for many highway bridge-building projects throughout the state until retiring in 1998.
LaVail was a longtime member of the Grant Center United Methodist Church. He enjoyed yard work, bowling, hunting, and ice fishing. Most importantly, LaVail loved spending time with family and friends.
On October 22, 1966, he married Blanche (Rehkopf), who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Glenn (Sandy) Cook of Bloomingdale, and Brian (Megan) Erickson of Hersey; 3 grandchildren, Wayne Cowley, Angela (William) Byrd, and Zachary Erickson; 6 great-grandchildren, Makenna, Audrey, William, Anthony, Quentin, and Terrance; 2 sisters, Beverly Erickson and Rose Ann (Raymond) Quast; a brother Larry Erickson. A sister-in-law Bev Erickson; a brother-in-law Glen Homister; and many nieces and nephews. LaVail was preceded in death by a son Rick, a brother Junior Erickson, and a sister Nancy Homister.
Cremation services have taken place, a Celebration of LaVail's Life will be from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, October 18, at the Grant Township Hall in Grant Center, and he will be laid to rest at the Hersey Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his name may be made for the Grant Center United Methodist Church, or the Reed City Seventh Day Adventist Church. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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