Doral Erickson

Doral O. Erickson age 89 of Darlington, WI formerly of Argyle, WI passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Sienna Crest in Darlington. He was born on May 1, 1928 in Argyle the son of Elmer and Ella (Paulson) Erickson. He graduated from Argyle High School in 1946 and later received his degree in Mortuary Science from Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee, WI in 1950. He married Doris D. Pfund on September 30, 1950 at St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe, WI. Doral lived in Argyle most of his life. While waiting for the results of his State Board Exam he received his draft notice and was inducted into the United States Army. He served in Korea in the 625th Field Artillery Battalioin, 40th Infantry Division and was honorably discharged in 1952. Once returning home, he took over the family business in Argyle where he and his wife owned and operated Erickson Funeral home and Furniture Store and the Argyle Area Ambulance Service. In the late sixties he organized Argyle's first volunteer ambulance service. In 1973, they sold the furniture store and moved to Darlington to include the Sharer Funeral Home as part of their funeral service business. In 1985, they moved to their farm outside of Argyle, but continued to stay active in funeral service by acquiring the O'Flahrity Funeral Home in Shullsburg, WI in 1986. Doral retired in 1990. However, he always made himself available to help out at the funeral homes when needed. He mostly enjoyed working around the farm by helping with horse chores, cutting and grooming riding trails throughout the farm and developing new and innovative ways of taking care of his Scottish Highland cattle. He was also an avid outdoorsman loving to go bird hunting with his English and Gordon Setters and fishing in Canada. Doral loved spending time with his family at the farm. In later years, he enjoyed decorating the house for Christmas, as much as his family looked forward to seeing it. He enjoyed creating little scenarios among the elves and the animals within his displays. Doral was active throughout his years in a multitude of organizations. He was a Boy Scout Leader in Argyle for five years and made a number of trips to Canada with his troops. He served as a past president of Argyle Rod and Gun Club, Southwest District Funeral Directors and served on the Lafayette Manor Board of Directors for a number of years. He was a member of Argyle American Legion Post #251, Blackhawk Saddle Club, was a charter member of Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Argyle, chairman of its Steering Committee and its first Council President. Doral is survived by his wife of 67 years: Doris Erickson at Sienna Crest; four children: Shelley (John) Berget of Burlington, WI, Brent (Mary Jo) Erickson of Darlington; Kevin Erickson of Hawthorne, CA, and Lance (Christina) Erickson of Fishers, IN; seven grandchildren: Brittney (fiancé: Matt McCormick) Berget of Des Moines, IA, Brooke (Magnus Blomsnes) of Oslo, Norway, Lindsey (Michael) Kempinski of Mukwonago, WI, Justin Erickson of Argyle, Cody Erickson of Madison, WI, and Elle and Liora Erickson both at home; and four great-grandchildren: Faith, Kiersten, Clayton, and Macie Kempinski all at home. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant twin granddaughters: Janaya Mei and Annaliese Mei Erickson in 2009; two brothers: Truman Erickson in 1972 and Myron Erickson in 1995; and one sister: Gladys Campbell in 1991. A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Cornerstone Lutheran Church (1540 Old Highway 81, Argyle) with Rev. Ron Brubakken officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251 of Argyle. A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Cornerstone Lutheran Church. A visitation will also be held Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, memorials may be given to Cornerstone Lutheran Church (1540 Old Highway 81, Argyle, WI 53504) in Doral's name.