Joyce L. Erickson

Joyce L. Erickson

1946-2026

Joyce Erickson, born on December 3,1946 to John and Louise (Pike) Brion, passed away on May 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and the legacy of a life richly lived. She attended Highland Elementary School in Kenosha County and was a proud member of the first graduating class of George Nelson Tremper High School in 1965. Joyce carried her passion for learning throughout her life, earning an associate degree in Interior Design from Gateway Technical College and continuing to explore new interests whenever she could.

On December 26, 1970, Joyce married her husband William A. Erickson. Together they built a family rooted in love, raising their two daughters, Jessica Ventura and Jocelyn Erickson. Joyce’s greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent supporting her daughters in soccer, ice skating, cheerleading, softball, marching bands and all of life’s milestones. She was especially proud to be “Gaga” to her beloved granddaughter Abigail “Abba” Ventura, who brought her immense happiness and pride. Joyce and Bill attended every school activity for Abba, every figure skating show and competition, and even traveled internationally to cheer her on as she represented Team USA in synchronized skating competitions. She was an immensely proud and devoted Gaga.

Joyce’s professional life reflected her creativity, leadership, and dedication to her community. She began her career in interior design at the Boston Store in downtown Milwaukee and later in life served as a retail manager and trainer for KidsMart Corporation.

Her passion for public health led her to serve as Coordinator for the Tobacco-Free Coalition of Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties. Her proudest accomplishment was her role in helping pass legislation that made Wisconsin smoke-free.

A gifted artist and entrepreneur, Joyce founded “Tomorrow’s Heirloom,” creating one-of-a-kind St. Nicholas Christmas figures that were sold across the country and even Europe. Her work was featured in magazines and newspapers, and she generously supported many local nonprofit organizations through her art and philanthropy. Her home stood as a testament to her creativity, filled with her paintings and beautifully handcrafted pieces.

Joyce was deeply committed to civic engagement and community leadership. She was an active member or board member of numerous organizations, including the Kenosha Women’s Network, Kenosha History Center, WIBIC Southeast Advisory Committee, Wisconsin Humanities Council, Alumni Circle of Wisconsin Humanities Council, Women’s and Children’s Horizons and the Kenosha/Racine Community Action Agency. She also served as a regional coordinator for Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton’s Wisconsin Women Equals Prosperity Initiative. A proud Democrat, Joyce volunteered her time on many local, state, and national campaigns.

Her contributions were widely recognized. Joyce received the “Unsung Hero Award” from the Wisconsin Tobacco Control Program in 2002, the Susan B. Anthony “Woman of the Year” award in 2004, and the “Woman of Influence” award from the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2012. She was also featured in SHE Magazine’s “Connect and Conquer” article highlighting the 2011 influential women of Southeast Wisconsin. Upon her retirement as Coordinator of the Tobacco-Free Coalition, she was honored with the executive proclamation from former Kenosha County Executive Jim Kreuser of “Joyce Erickson Day” on December 10th, 2015.

Joyce was a passionate family historian, devoting countless hours to researching and strengthening the connections that bound the generations together, and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She is survived by her loving family; her husband Bill of 55 years, her daughters Jessica Ventura and Jocelyn Erickson, her cherished granddaughter Abigail Ventura-Carpenter (Kevin), and her dear cousins Barbara Mason and June Ristau, along with their wonderful families. She adored her many dear friends in life, especially Bev Jambois and Carol Zaruk, and her “condo peeps” Holly Stoddard and Carol Ward, whose friendship all filled her life with joy, laughter and companionship.

Above all, Joyce will be remembered for her boundless love for her family. She made every gathering feel special with her signature thoughtful details, beautifully set tables, creative and personalized gifts, and delicious home-cooked meals and desserts. Her comforting chicken dumpling soup warmed countless fall and winter days, and her German potato dumplings, sauerkraut and pork became a beloved tradition that the family eagerly requested. She made beautiful buttercream frosting roses and decorations for cupcakes and cakes and always made sure that dessert was a beautiful centerpiece.

Her creative spirit, her commitment to making her community a better place, and the joy she brought to those around her will be her lasting legacy.

The family wishes to thank the care and compassion she received from Dr. Malik Bandealy and staff, Dr. Raaid Museitif and staff, Dr. Stephanie Ruffolo and staff and the caring and attentive nursing staff at Aurora Hospital and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wisconsin Humanities Council or the Kenosha History Center. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held this summer, as Joyce wished for a joyful celebration attended by those she loved.

Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory

8226-Sheridan Rd.

Kenosha, WI 53143

(262) 652-1943

www.kenosha-funeral-services.com