BESSEMER, Mich. – Paul R. Erickson, 66, a lifelong resident of Bessemer, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, at home.

Paul was born on Jan. 23, 1954, in Wakefield, a son of Reino Matt and Fay Muriel (Peronto) Erickson. He attended A.D. Johnston High School and graduated in 1972. Paul continued his education at Gogebic Community College and Northern Michigan University.

For many years, Paul worked as a route driver for the Ironwood Daily Globe.

One of Paul's favorite pastimes was rabbit hunting with his brother-in-law, Donny Mussatti. He took pleasure listening to the Guglielmotto Band and was an extremely talented photographer.

Paul is survived by two sisters, Carmen (Donald) Mussatti, Bessemer, and Rosanne (William) Ferrari, Hurley, Wisconsin; his sister-in-law, Arlene Juntunen, Hernando, Florida; an aunt, Wilma Pogodinski, Grafton, Wisconsin; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Sherry Erickson and Gail Mattson; and a brother, Robert Juntunen.

The family is honoring Paul's life in a private funeral service.

Interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.