Neal Erickson

Neal Erickson, age 57, a resident of Siren, WI died peacefully at his home on January 15, 2009. Neal was born in Minneapolis, MN to Clarence and June Erickson. Neal grew up in Richfield, MN and graduated from the Richfield High School. After high school Neal attended UW Stout at Rice Lake studying Industrial Arts. Neal worked for Erickson Quality Homes in the Burnett County area for several years with his father who was a Wausau Home Builder. Together they constructed over 100 homes in the area. After Clarence’s death, Neal went on to work as a carpenter. He then went to work for Burnett Dairy Cheese Factory as a Maintenance Tech for 14 years. In 2001, Neal married Sheila Porter the Saturday following the tornando. Neal and Sheila own and operate the Yah Butz located in Siren. In 2003, Neal and Sheila began to produce Neal’s dream, his BBQ sauce which is now Big Butz BBQ Sauce. His dream goes on. Neal was a honest, caring, hard working, humble man who gave to those in need. Neal celebrated 18 years of sobriety. He was a member of the Siren Tourism Committee and loved the area. Neal enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson, fishing, hunting, construction and his sense of invention. All things he enjoyed until an injury curtailed his hobbies three years ago. His most precious past time was spending time with his four granddaughters which he called his “Little Diamonds.” Neal was preceded in death by his brother Ron Erickson, father Clarence and mother June. Neal is survived by his wife Sheila, sons Justin (Nicole) Erickson, Tom (Shelley) Porter, Jr., sister Paulette (Burnell, Jr.) Hanson, sister-in-law Gail (Frank) Ruhland, aunts Char Eggen, Bernice Peterson, uncle Guy Baker, his four granddaughters Alexa and Madilyn Erickson and Lola and Layla Porter, nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends. A celebration of his life for his family and dear friends will be held at The Lodge at Crooked Lake in Siren on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. An internment will be held at the Grantsburg Cemetery at a later date. “Every life is a fairy tale written by God’s fingers.” Funeral arrangements were entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster.