Clareen Ann Erickson
April 19, 1944 - February 06, 2019
Obituary
MADISON-Clareen “Clare” (Pingel) Erickson, age 74, peacefully passed into heaven, surrounded by her family and friends on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. She was born in 1944, in Ashland, the first of three daughters, born to Clarence and Betty Pingel. Clareen graduated from DePadua High School in Ashland in 1962, and Northland College also in Ashland in 1969, with a degree in Social Studies. She moved to the Madison area shortly after graduation and worked in Human Resource Management for various employers, retiring from Econoprint in 2005. Clare married her best friend, Jerry Erickson in 1980. She lovingly gave him the gift of life when she donated one of her kidneys to him in his battle with kidney disease. They celebrated 37 years of marriage before his passing in 2017. Clare will be remembered for her ever present smile, outgoing personality, and eagerness to help others. She was joyful, fun to be with, and enjoyed life to the fullest. She and Jerry were well traveled in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Both she and Jerry came to love the music of Helmut Lotti, attending may of his concerts in Belgium, Germany, and Austria. Clareen will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her sisters, Sherry Lowe of Saint Peter, MN and Julie Danula of Lake Nebagamon, WI; many nieces, nephews and cousins; very special life-long friends, Ronni and Bonnie; and numerous “Lotti” Facebook friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; and her parents, Clarence and Betty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5460 Mary Lake Road, Westport, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, with Monsignor James Gunn presiding. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday. Memorials may be gifted in Clareen’s name to Agrace HospiceCare. Clareen’s family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at Agrace HospiceCare for the compassionate care and support they provided to Clareen in her final days. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Rd.
(608) 442-5502
Events
Visitation
Mon Feb 11, 2019 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church • 5460 Mary Lake Road, Waunakee, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Mon Feb 11, 2019 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church • 5460 Mary Lake Road, Waunakee, WI null
Photos
Memories
BD
Bettianne Diles
Other •
We have a connection with our favorite Belgian tenor. Clare organized a Lottifan gathering in New York City where many of his devoted American fans saw him perform . We continued our friendship through emails and later on through facebook. Ekernal Memory and Blessed Repose.
DW
Doris Wuffli
Other •
Rest in Peace my Friend It was an honor to know you Hugs Doris 💐
KA
Karin Albert_Germany
Other •
It was a pleasure to have known you. Rest in peace dear Clare.
ER
Elisabeth Ruef
Other •
I got to know Clare, due to the fact that we both were fans of the Belgian singer, Helmut Lotti.
Although we lived so far away from each other, we became very good friends and when she and Jerry visited Europe, we met each other face to face. We spent a wonderful time together in Munich and Bregenz. It seemed as if we had known each other for a very long time.
She was a wonderful, kind and cheerful woman who warmed the heart of the people who met her.
I still can't believe that she now is not with us anymore and I will always keep her in my heart and will never forget her.
Rest in peace, together with your beloved Jerry and your parents, my dear friend!
ET
elly torfs
Other •
I won't forget you and Jerry :) rest in peace dear Clare
SL
Sherry Lowe
Other •
Clareen you were the best big sister ever! I’ll miss you forever.