Stephen Flanders Erickson

LCDR Stephen Flanders Erickson, USN, CEC, Retired, 74, died peacefully with family at his side, March 4, 2019 at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland CO, from heart failure after a prolonged recovery from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that occurred in December 2018. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jan (Uschlbec) Erickson.  They made their home in Windsor, CO. Steve was born on May 16, 1944, to Edwin Milton and Rebecca Evelyn (Flanders) Erickson, in New Haven CT.  He spent his childhood in New Haven CT, Cortland NY, Harrisburg PA, and Upper Arlington OH. He graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1962, excelling in football (All CBL Conference End), swimming (All-American), and track. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Bruce Erickson.  He is also survived by: daughter Kristy Lyn (Michael) Vannelli of San Francisco CA; son Keith Michael Erickson of Fort Collins CO; grandchildren: Joseph Enzo, Leo Nicolo and Alessia Rose Vannelli, and Ryker Chase Erickson; sister-in-law Ann Erickson (Bruce, deceased)of Chapel Hill NC; brothers David (Sherry) of Columbus OH; Glenn (Sandra) of Natal Brazil; Mark (Eloise) of Columbus OH; eleven nieces and nephews; ten great nephews and nieces; and several cousins. Steve attended Toledo University (OH). He played varsity football and track and was a three-year letterman and all Mid-American guard in 1965. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Steve graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.  He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1969 with a Master of Science in Sanitary Engineering. He also received a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California in 1975. Steve was pursuing a Doctorate in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. He was posthumously awarded a Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering in 2019. Other memberships include National Society of Professional Engineers and Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration.  Steve served in the United States Navy, Civil Engineer Corps from 1969-1989. His duty stations include: MCAS Cherry Point (NC); Naval Support Advisory Group, DaNang, Vietnam; NAS Point Mugu (CA); Naval Base, Port Hueneme (CA), where Steve served with NMCB-3; Southern Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Charleston (SC); HQ, USFJ-J4, Yokota (Japan); and Navy Public Works Center, Army Base, Oakland (CA). Steve’s military honors include: Meritorious Unit Commendation; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V”; Navy Achievement Medal; National Defense Medal; Overseas Service Medal with two bronze stars; Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class; Vietnam Campaign Service Medal with Device; Vietnam Meritorious Citation (Civil Actions Medal, 1st Class with Palm); Vietnam Campaign; Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon (Sharpshooter); and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon (Sharpshooter). After retiring from the US Navy, Steve was Director of Physical Plant at South Dakota State University; and Administrator, Public Utilities Dept, Sewerage and Drainage Division, City of Columbus, OH.  In 2004, he worked as a civilian contractor in Baghdad, Iraq, supporting "Operation Iraqi Freedom". Steve was a member of the Colorado Chapter of PAMVET (Proud American Military Veteran). Steve's association with these veterans was a weekly highlight of his years in CO.  Also seen at their meetings are quilts made by Quilts Of Valor. The local area designers & quilters of these beautiful, one of a kind quilts deserve recognition for the many quilts made for service members. A "...hug full of gratitude" and thankfulness for all your hours of love. Steve was an avid photographer and won numerous awards for his work. He was an athlete during his military years and participated in many marathons and triathlons. He enjoyed camping and travel with his family. He passed on his marksmanship skills to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending vacation time with his four grandchildren. On Wednesday, March 13, 2019 a Memorial Service will be held at the Northwest Church of the Nazarene in Columbus OH at 10:30am. Steve will be laid to rest in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville OH.  A service with military honors begins at 2:30 pm, with burial to follow.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 10:30am at Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church, Windsor CO. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated. See Obituary for Details