Mary Lou Erickson, age 77, formerly of rural Ettrick, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center in rural Whitehall.

Mary Lou was born on June 10, 1945 in La Crosse to William and Phyllis (Spangler) Furlong. Growing up her family moved around a great deal and then finally landed in a farm house in Ettrick. The area of this home is where she met the love of her life, Larrydean Erickson. They wed on December 18, 1964 and settled down in a home that was built by her husband. It was here they raised three beautiful children together.

As a homemaker, Mary Lou was a great cook; she made the best potato salad and goulash around. She also knew how to make the best milkshakes – using a mixing bowl with ice cream she would purchase at the Franklin store. She had a passion for drawing and would create beautiful masterpieces of Jesus. She devoted much of her life to the Lord and preached his word any chance she got. She had a love of Christian music and made fond memories with her granddaughter playing gospel songs on her Omnichord. One favorite of hers was "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."  She was a good woman, a loving mother and a wonderful grandmother.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Daniel (Brenda) Erickson of Blair, Dawn (Robert) Mattson of Ettrick and Rachel (Brian) Berzinski of Ettrick; a brother, Dennis (Denise) Furlong of Onalaska; six grandchildren, Amanda (Nick) Hoeth, Brock Erickson (Cameo Johnson Brown), Brylee Erickson, Cole and Molly Berzinski and Eric Mattson; three great-grandchildren, Samuel and Arabella Hoeth and Bryzon Erickson; a sister-in-law, Gloria (Jack) Austin; a brother-in-law Leroy Webb and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Jeannie Ciganek; a special grandson, Joshua Dahl and a sister-in-law, Edna Webb.

Graveside services and burial will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the South Beaver Creek Lutheran Cemetery – W16679 County Road D, Ettrick WI.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home – 115 W 4 ^th Street, Blair WI

We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all the staff at TCHCC and a special thank you to Mary Lou's social worker, Nancy.

May our mother find peace walking beside God hand in hand. We love you and will forever cherish our memories of you