Walter Hugo 'Wally" Erickson

Erickson, Walter Hugo, Jr., "Wally" "The Captain" age 85, passed away 4/19/14. Preceded in death by parents, Walter, Sr., and Florence; brother, Erick; and grandson, Eric Charles Sampson. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Edith Ann Erickson (Hovland); son, Ross (Sarah) Erickson; daughter, Susan Erickson Sampson; grandchildren, John Erickson, Crosby Sampson, Dallas Erickson, Chandler Sampson, Corbin Sampson, Campbell Sampson, and Alex Erickson; nephew, Mark Erickson; extended family, Erik and Cheryl Kolz, and Gregg Sampson. Walter was born in Minneapolis and spent his summers at his Grandparent's home at Saga Hill on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. As a young boy he worked at his grandfather's company, Erickson Artificial Limb Company. It was here, under the guidance of his grandfather that he discovered his love of mechanics. He was a graduate of Washburn High School, Mpls. After graduation, Wally pursued his love of mechanics and flight, and put himself though flight training. He was awarded his pilots certification. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. In 1953 he started his career in aeronautics as a mechanic for Mid Continent Airlines, in Minneapolis. In 1957 he received his acceptance documents to start commercial pilot flight training in Dallas, TX for Braniff International Airlines. He logged over 30,000 hours of flight time in Braniff's fleet of colorful planes. He retired from Braniff after 30 years of stellar flight performance and loyal service. Wally had a deep love for the history of aviation, especially WWII aircraft. He traveled the world to pursue his research and sourcing of rare aircrafts and their parts. He ferried airplanes from as far away as South America to his hanger in Mesa, AZ and MN, where he rebuilt a Lockheed P38 Lightning, A-36 Apache, P-40E Warhawk and P51 Mustang. Today all four planes are in the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. He was also actively involved in the restoration of vintage CrisCraft boats and Corvettes. Wally took a deep interest in the raising and restoration of the "Steamboat Minnehaha". He followed its 17-year restoration and experienced its maiden voyage after the completion of the restoration. Wally was an avid sailor; he loved his home on Lake Alimagnet. Later in life he enjoyed leisurely cruises around the shoreline with friends and neighbors along with his beloved schnauzer, Duke. Services will be held Monday, April 28th, at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Westminster Presbyterian, 1200 Marquette Ave S, Mpls. Interment to follow at Ft. Snelling. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to The Dr. Donald and Eleanor Miesel Scholarship-Grant for Westminster Presbyterian Church. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Davies Chapel 612-377-2203

Tributes

Walter Hugo 'Wally" Erickson

April 19, 2014

Tributes

Walter Hugo 'Wally" Erickson

April 19, 2014

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