Betty J. Erickson

Betty Jane (Woodard) Erickson, age 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and best friend, Beth Brandser, on February 12, 2026.

Betty was born on November 16, 1953 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Floyd and Oriel (Crewdson) Woodard. She graduated from high school in Webster City and went on to attend Iowa State University, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. After graduation, she moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she met Jon Erickson, the love of her life. They were married on August 4, 1979, in Spring Green, WI.

Betty embarked on her teaching career first in the River Valley School District located in Spring Green, WI and Cleghorn Elementary School in Cleghorn, WI focusing on Special Education. She then transitioned to third grade at Putnam Heights Elementary School in Eau Claire, WI. During this time she obtained her Master’s of Education from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire. In her 30+ years teaching career she had a remarkable gift for connecting with children and made a lasting impact on generations of students through her patience, warmth, and enthusiasm for learning.

She was and still is the best Wife, Mother, Grammy, Friend and Teacher. We find comfort in the belief that she was greeted at Heaven’s Gates by her Mother, Oriel, who will hold her tightly until we see her again. We are certain her beloved pets also greeted her with kisses, especially her Wooly Mammoth, Winston.

She loved her gardens and spent endless hours with her flowers finding joy in their beauty and colors. She had a passion for traveling with her favorite place being Wales because of it’s peace and tranquility.

She is survived by her husband, Jon Erickson; her children, Austin (Marie) Erickson and Brittania (Scott) Kuehn; her grandchildren, Eve, Sevrin, and Dean; her sisters Carol Dannen, June (Daniel) Robbins and her brother Cedric (Connie) Woodard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Oriel (Crewdson) Woodard and her mother and father -in-law Robert and Mary (Hibma) Erickson.

Per Betty’s request, there will be no formal visitation or funeral. A celebration of her beautiful life will be held at a later date with close family and friends.

Betty was and will always be loved deeply by her family, friends, students, and community. She will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, caring heart, and the countless lives she touched throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers and cards, because of Betty’s immense love for animals, please consider donating to one of the following:  Eau Claire County Humane Association https://eccha.org or

Chippewa Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation Center https://chippewavalleywildlife.com

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.  Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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