Thomas A. Erickson, age 57 of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December 10, 2018 of a heart attack.

Tom faced lifelong challenges with mental illness and alcohol addiction, and struggled mightily to overcome the demons that distanced him from family and friends.  But he was more.  He was a gentle soul who loved his family and wanted to be a different man for them. He was an Eagle Scout and an Air Force veteran (serving in peacetime in Rapid City SD).  He was a gifted writer (as anyone who received his Christmas poems knew) and loved to bake (his raspberry infused cheesecake could be served in the best restaurants). He liked to read (particularly his Bible), and tried to work on his faith and relationship with Christ. Our family is comforted that he now walks in God’s grace, and he is healthy in heaven, no longer burdened by an addiction he could not beat. He will be missed.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents  C. Douglas and Dorothy Erickson, sister and brother Barbara and Steve Erickson, and niece Megan Erickson. He is survived by his wife, Dianna; children, Scott (Courtney) Erickson, Jenny Erickson (Judy Collea), and Tim (Adrienne) Thompson; grandchildren Cecilia and Nils Erickson, Austin, Kyla and Jameson Thompson; sisters Kris (Bob) Anderson, and Marcy (Jack) Medendorp, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private memorial service for Tom will be held on Saturday, December 15.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Mel Trotter Ministries, 225 Commerce Avenue SW, Grand Rapids MI 49503. 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.