Robert “Bob” Erickson, age 67, of Murrieta, CA, formerly of Sparta, WI, died on Monday, April 28, 2025, at home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 1, 1957 to Kenneth Erickson, Jr and Maxine (Stetzer) Erickson.
Bob was raised in Sparta, Wisconsin and attended Sparta High School, graduating in 1975. After high school, he attended Western Wisconsin Technical Institute (WWTI), for Auto mechanics and studying two way radio systems and telecommunications. After graduating from WWTI, he moved to California where he resided. Before he retired in March of 2022, he worked for the County of San Diego Sheriff’s Department, San Diego, CA.
Bob enjoyed coming back to Sparta to visit during the summer/fall times. He had a love for the landscaping, Grand Dads Bluff, visiting with former friends and most importantly his family. When he would visit, you could always count on a Saturday night at the West Salem racetrack, as he was an avid stock car enthusiast. Having been raised in Wisconsin, Bob was a life-long Green Bay Packers fan and visited Lambeau Field whenever he came home.
Bob was a simplistic guy, always found laughter in everything. His greatest joy in life was his family! His wife, Denise; daughter’s Lindsay and Maddy and his 5 grandchildren. He spoke of them always with joy in his voice and a smile on his face. When he would come to Sparta to visit, he would often bring his daughters or grandchildren with him so they could explore his childhood. They were his everything!
He is survived by his wife, Denise, daughter, Lindsay (Cory) Gorham, grandchildren, Carter and McKenzie (Kenzie); daughter, Maddy (Jamiel) Gorham, grandchildren, Elijah, Arya and Aubrey, all of Murrieta, California. His mother, Maxine Gudbaur of Sparta, sisters; Julie (Dennis) Hanson, Sparta, Kim Erickson, Sparta, Lisa (Ron) Witte, Augusta, WI, and Muriel (Tim) Hutson, Sparta; two step-sisters, Marcia (John) O’duggan from Lewiston, MN and Stacy (Khalil) Corbo, Florida; numerous Aunts and Uncles and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; Kenneth E. Erickson, Jr. Stepfather; Rodney Gudbaur, maternal and paternal grandparents; Kenneth Erickson, Sr, Emma Erickson, Ernest and Dora Stetzer.
An open house will be held at The VIP Room, 27525 Ynez Road, Temecula, CA 92591 on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 3:00 -5:30 pm.
A celebration of life will be held in Sparta on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Details of location/time will be published later.
