Charles Erickson

September 23, 1958 - October 17, 2012

Charles L. Erickson Jr., 54, was embraced in the arms of the Lord on the evening of October 17th, 2012, at his home in Roseville, CA, surrounded by family members and loved ones.

Chuck was born to Charles Lee Vernon Erickson Sr. and Myrtle May Gwartney, on September 23, 1958, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He grew up in Citrus Heights, CA and participated in local community baseball and bowling leagues at Rusch Park and Fireside Lanes, as a child and adult. He enjoyed playing guitar and played in a neighborhood band during his teen and adult years as well. He graduated from Casa Robles High School in 1976.

Chuck enlisted in the United States Army on May 29, 1979, where he served on active duty for 12 years with distinction and honor as a Non-Commissioned Officer, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter crew chief, and technical inspector. Highlights of his military service include the distinctive honor of serving in the special operations unit 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) 101st Airborne Division from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, known as the Night Stalkers. While assigned to the Night Stalkers, he completed various undisclosed missions including a combat tour in Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. His other overseas tours included Germany, Korea, and Alaska. Chuck held his military service in high regard and was a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans of Foreign Wars.

After completion of his military service, Chuck remained in the Fort Campbell area and resided in Paducah, Kentucky, where he met his wife of 20 years, Roxanna. Shortly after their marriage, they returned to Citrus Heights to continue their life's journey. Here they owned and operated the Pro Shop inside Fireside Lanes bowling alley for a few years. Battling physical disabilities, he decided to make a career change and attended Heald College in Roseville, CA where he earned his AS degree in Medical Administration and graduated with honors. Soon after, the call to service for his fellow veterans was answered again. He began his career in the medical field with the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Mather, CA, where he worked as a telephone operator until he gained a position in the Pathology Department. He remained with the pathology team until he lost his battle with cancer.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Roxanna Erickson, daughter, Heather Erickson; parents, Charles Erickson Sr. and Myrtle Gwartney; brother, Roger Erickson; Grandson, Jesse Brayton; 11 nieces and nephews; 9 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Knoth.

Roxanna and family members invite friends and relatives to a Celebration of Life for Chuck being held at the Rusch Park Community Center on November 3, 2012, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.