Harry Gilbert Erickson, age 90, of Wild Rose, WI, passed away on Thursday July 30th, 2026 with family by his side.
Harry was born in Kenosha, WI on January 22nd, 1936, the son of the late Ernie and Frances Erickson during a severe snowstorm. The story goes that his parents had to follow the snowplow to get to the hospital. Harry was the youngest of five siblings, he spent his school years in Union Grove and enjoyed playing sports: golf, football, and basketball, and worked at the sauerkraut and pickle factory. Harry graduated high school in 1954 and then went on to college at Whitewater to study business. Harry also received a teaching certificate from Racine-Kenosha County Teachers College. Harry did his basic military training with the National Guard. While in high school, Harry also worked at a small mink farm which began Harry’s interest in farming. Harry married his high school sweetheart, Helen Erickson née Whitley, on July 11th, 1959. Harry and Helen moved north to Wild Rose to purchase a small farm and start their family.
Harry did not waste time. He was a farmer, business owner, coach, veteran, husband, and father to five children who all played a role in Harry’s businesses. Harry and Helen owned and operated numerous successful businesses including the family farm, Wautoma A&W for 48 years, the A&W in Waupaca and Appleton, Princeton and Wautoma Amish House stores, and the Westfield Amish House Market which he continued to run until his passing. Later in life, Harry opened “Harry’s Food Stand” in Wild Rose.
Harry did life his own way. As an entrepreneur and innovator, Harry was always looking to improve his businesses, learn something new, and continue growing. Harry never missed a farm show with his sons where he would study and implement the latest farming technology practice. His Wautoma A&W stood out for its Friday night fish frys, an idea that was created by Harry and not a standard A&W practice. Harry also loved taking his A&W root beer stand on the road, traveling to fairs across Wisconsin selling root beer, popcorn, and pickles. Those summer fairs became a family tradition as he proudly recruited his grandchildren to work alongside him.
Every summer, Harry looked forward to opening Harry's Food Stand. “Harry’s” started simply as a food truck and expanded to a Wild Rose summer attraction especially when he added the gazebo and outdoor seating. For Harry, it was never just about running a business. It was about bringing his ideas to life, practicing the virtue of hard work, and connecting with people.
Harry invested in his community and those around him. He served as the Wild Rose boy’s varsity basketball coach for a number of years. Harry was an active member of the Wild Rose Baptist Church and was instrumental in the church’s transition to its current location. Harry hardly missed a Sunday service and regularly attended mid-week prayer and Bible study. Harry had a quiet faith and a deep trust in God's plan for his life.
Harry will be remembered as a great listener, for his ability to create meaningful conversations with his grandchildren and challenging them to do more, his desire to learn, and his incomparable work ethic.
Harry is survived by his children: Jane (Ludwig) Wurtz, Barbara (David) Brooks, Robert Erickson, Sally Solis, Keith (Jennifer) Erickson; his grandchildren: Taylor (Preston) Purifoy, Tiffani (Jacob) Paltz, Lincoln Wurtz, Preston Wurtz, Abby (Keith) Brennan, Christina (Christopher) Basten, Bobby (Lexi) Brooks, Matthew (Lauren) Brooks, Brian (Kristin) Erickson, Josh Erickson, Evan (Grace) Erickson, Emily Solis, Jon Solis, Jacob Solis, Nicholas (Cayley) Erickson, Bryce Erickson, Carissa Erickson, Austin Erickson; and his great-grandchildren: Grayson, Adalynn, Harrison, Weston, Nora, Frances, Carter, Payton, Stevie, Macklin, Colson, Layne, Walker, Lainey, Truett, and Johanna. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Erickson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Erickson, his parents, Ernie and Frances Erickson, and his siblings, Robert Erickson, Ernie Erickson, and Gertrude Erickson Hill.
A funeral service will be held at the Wild Rose Baptist Church in Wild Rose, WI at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Monday, August 17th, 2026, with Reverend Ben Terpstra officiating. Visitation will be held 9:30 AM to 11:45 AM preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name can be made to the Wild Rose Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Wild Rose Union Cemetery, Town of Wautoma, WI.
The Holly Funeral Home of Wild Rose is assisting the family with arrangements. Harry’s family would like to give a special thanks to the Wild Rose Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff for their care of and attention to Harry.
