Harlan Paul Erickson

Harlan P. Erickson, 84, of Basehor, Kansas, formerly of Carthage, SD, passed away June 29, 2012 at home. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at White Church Christian Church, 2200 N. 85th St., Kansas City, KS 66109. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, July 2 at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., KCK, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Interment will follow the funeral service in Highland Park Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to White Church Christian Church or Compassionate Care Hospice.

Harlan was born January 10, 1928 in Carthage, SD to Elmer Severin and Bernice Delma (Stratton) Erickson. He graduated from Carthage High School. Harlan enlisted in the army and then relocated to the Kansas City area, first in Bonner Springs, then KCK, and finally Basehor, KS. He worked for Griffin Wheel and retired as a Millwright for GM in 1991. He was a member of the UAW Local 31 and later the GM Retirees Club. He was also a member of the Delaware Masonic Lodge, Gladiola Eastern Star and the White Church Christian Church. Harlan loved the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Basketball. He enjoyed inventing, and was often adding to the suggestion box while working at GM. He also was a woodworker and made beautiful items, especially fountain pens. His family said that if it was broken, he could fix it and if he couldn’t fix it, you didn’t need it. Harlan was an avid outdoorsman and family man. He went to all his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Clair Erickson and stepson Brian Burns. Harlan is survived by his wife of 37 years, Cleo Erickson of the home, his son Jim Erickson (Toni) of Lone Jack, MO, stepson Brad Burns of Basehor, KS, daughter-in-law Christine Burns of Basehor, KS; sisters Leola Edens of Bonner Springs, KS, Elaine Nelson of Howard, SD, Glenna Horton (Tim) of Mitchell, SD, Phylis Stevens (Richard) of Howard, SD, 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, friends and other family.

Special thanks to Dr. Martin Rhodes, Dr. Carl Falcone ENT, Blessed Trinity Home Care, Abigail Macall, RN and Kale Saueressig for their loving care and support for Harlan.