William "Bill" Emery Erickson, 91, of Burlington, IA died Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Burlington Care Center, Burlington, IA. He was born on February 9, 1917 in Basco, Illinois the son of Otto and Hazel Emery Erickson. On July 4, 1937, Bill was united in marriage to Minnie Mae Peterson in Burlington, IA. She preceded him in death on April 4, 1998 Bill was employed by the Sweetheart Bread Company in Burlington, IA for 25 years then at the Iowa Ammunition Ordinance Plant in Middletown, IA for ten years before his retirement. He was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Burlington, IA, the Burlington Lions Club and the Silver Singers. Bill was a people person and always had a smile and encouraging word for everyone. He loved to sing, read western books, do woodworking and create projects out of plastic. He is survived by one son, Kirk Erickson and his wife Judy of Burlington, IA, one daughter Karen Byar and her husband Larry of Cedar Rapids, IA, 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, two brothers, Bob Erickson and his wife Claudia, and Otto Erickson and his wife Betty all of Burlington, IA, one sister, Roberta Connelly of Burlington, IA, several nieces and nephews and a special friend & companion, Helen Wehrle of West Burlington, IA. Bill was also preceded in death by one daughter, Bonnie Kinsey, three brothers, Dana Erickson, John Erickson and Clinton Erickson, and two sisters, Thelma Connelly and Ceola Wasson. A gathering of remembrance was held from 2-4 p.m. Friday, February 15, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Burlington, IA. Burial will be at a later date at the Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, IA. Memorials may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church in Burlington, IA.