William H. Erickson

William �Bill� Henry Erickson, age 82, of Hastings passed away at his home on November 18, 2009 after a 13 month battle with cancer. Bill was born on April 7, 1927 in Jordan, MN to Flora and August Erickson and resided in the same town through his high school years. After an early graduation, and towards the end of World War II, Bill served in the United States Navy and obtained the rank of Yeoman 3rd Class aboard the U.S.S. St. George.Bill received his teaching degree from Mankato State College and later received a Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin � River Falls. He began his teaching career at Blue Earth High School and stayed one year. He went on to Hastings High School where he taught for 34 years. His specialty was Social Studies, but also coached basketball and golf during his career. In 1959 Bill took the Hastings High School basketball team to their first Suburban Championship. In addition to teaching and coaching activities, Bill was also involved with the driver�s education program at the high school.Bill was very active at his church where he served on the board that built the new Methodist Church sanctuary in Hastings. He was talented in many areas and especially enjoyed the time spent with family and friends at their cabin in northern Minnesota that he built with his brother. After retirement, when not at his cabin, Bill and his wife enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Arizona, and Washington. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne; parents; and brother Donald. He is survived by his daughter Pamela (Robert) Bolls of Richland, WA, sister Madelyn of Plymouth; sister-in-law Delores of New Prague;three nephews; two nieces; and several great nieces and nephews.A memorial service, officiated by Rev. Chris Kneen, will be held at 11AM Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at Hastings United Methodist Church, 615 W. Fifteenth St., Hastings with a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Hastings, Allina Hospice, American Cancer Society, or donor�s choice.