E. Delores “Dee” Erickson, 87, of East Galesburg, died at 3:34 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
She was born September 20, 1938, in Maquon, the daughter of Robert and Elsie (Harbison) Shenaut. She married John E. Erickson on September 28, 1958, in Knoxville.
She is survived by her husband John of nearly 68 years; daughter, Linda (Randy) Zimmerman of Canton; son, Steve (Julie) Erickson of Galesburg; grandchildren, Samantha (Joe) Giroux, Tyler (Makenzie) Gumm, Dana Gumm, and Dakota Erickson; six great-grandchildren, Travis, Kendra, Beau, Colin, Luna, and Oaklyn; two sisters, Barbara (Rich) Johnson of Gilson and Katherine (Howard) Lindecker of Ft. Collins, Colorado; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Robert “Bobby” Erickson; a great-grandson, Jack James Giroux; and siblings, Vesper Quick, Dick Shenaut, Bill Shenaut, and Jerry Shenaut.
Dee graduated from Knoxville High School in 1956. She worked at the Galesburg Research Hospital and Meadow Gold Dairy until her children were born. She spent many years as a dedicated farmwife, working alongside John on their farm.
She was a devoted member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Henderson Grove. Dee and John took an annual fishing trip to Wisconsin. She had volunteered for KCCDD for many years. Dee was an avid reader. Family was of upmost importance to her and she was the glue that held her family together. She will be sorely missed.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Messiah Lutheran Church. Burial will follow the funeral in Henderson Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church or Henderson Grove Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
