Russell J. Eriksen's Obituary
Russell J. Eriksen went to go fly his airplane, to go see his mom and dad on Oct. 28, 2002. He was born on Oct. 11, 1933 to James and Amanda Eriksen. He was in the Marines from 1951 to 1954. Russ worked as a longshoreman for Local 23 for 27 years where he then became a foreman for Local 98 and continued for the next 20 years. He was a member of the Tacoma Elks Lodge #174. Russ was mainly known as Â"grandpaÂ". His grandchildren were very important to him. He spent countless time organizing sports events for his grandkids. He even gave up horse races, which was very important to him, to be at one of his grandchildrenÂ's games. It was not unusual to see Russ cradling a baby in his arms. A common phrase for Russ was, Â"Come over here and tell grandpa what you want for Christmas.Â" He was preceded in death by his mother and father, 2 brothers Vernon Â"SwedeÂ" and Marvin, and 2 great grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia;5 children Twyla, Debra, Jody, Pam, and Brent (Rose); 13 grandchildren, 16 ½ great grandchildren; his best friend and twin brother Raymond (Lou); brothers Roger (Gerri) and Robert (Lois); 4 sisters Hilda Keleman, Lizette Tetzloff (Larry), Lois Hagen (Erv) and Margaret Debon; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Viewing will be held Today, Thurs. Oct. 31 from 1 Â- 9 p.m. and Fri. Nov. 1 from 1 Â- 7 p.m.. A Funeral Service will be held Sat. Nov. 2, 2002 12 Noon at the Mt. View Garden Chapel. Following the service, a potluck reception will be held in the Mt. View Celebration of Life Center.
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