White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Thomas E. Erickson, 79 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Monday, April 13, 2020, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  He was born on September 30, 1940, in Westgate, Iowa, the son of Edwin Clifford and Charlotte Erna (Schrader) Erickson.  He graduated from West Central High School in Maynard, Iowa, with the Class of 1958.  On November 17, 1962, he married the love of his life, Judy Ann (Frazer), in Maynard, Iowa.  Mr. Erickson worked at John Deere and Co. in Waterloo until he retired in 1997.  He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence and the U.A.W. Local #838 in Waterloo.  He enjoyed being out of doors hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was one of those people who could fix anything and helped everyone. Above all, he enjoyed just spending time with his grandchildren, who felt love and joy in his care.

Mr. Erickson is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy, 2 sons, Tim (Carrie) Erickson of Independence, and Steve (Tammy) Erickson of Robins, Iowa, 1 daughter, Christine (James) DeVries of Waverly, Iowa, and 6 grandchildren.  He is also survived by 2 sisters, Carolyn (Roger) Frederick of Marion, Iowa, and Charlene (Robert) Fairchild of Altoona, Iowa, and 1 brother Harry (Diane) Erickson of Elkader, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son, Paul Erickson, 1 sister, Mary Shimek, and 2 brothers, John Erickson and Edwin Erickson.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family would like to encourage friends and neighbors to drive past the family homes at 208 12^th Ave. N.E. and 115 15^th Ave. N.E. in Independence between the hours of 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday April 26, 2020, and honk and wave to help stay as connected as possible.

White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.