Marie Erickson Shea

Marie Alice (Belschner) Erickson Shea, 98, formerly of Volga, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2019, at the Elkader Care Center. Marie was born June 3, 1921, at home four miles north of Hawkeye by the Turkey River. She was the daughter of Lillian (Hoepfner) and Richard Belschner. She had an older brother Ervin and younger brother Harold. Marie was baptized and confirmed at the Hawkeye Lutheran Church, Hawkeye. 

She was very athletic and played basketball all four years of high school. She was chosen Captain her senior year and named top guard in Fayette County. Marie graduated from Hawkeye High School in 1939. 

She joined the Catholic religion a year before her marriage to William Elbert Erickson on February 6, 1946, at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union. Five children were born to this union. William passed away on October 31, 1966. She later married Loy Shea at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volga, on September 22, 1973. Loy passed away January 12, 1985.

Marie was an active farm wife, working the farm until her late 80’s. She was an active member of the Volga-Wadena American Legion Auxiliary, holding the office of Secretary-Treasurer for 28 years. She was also a member of the Altar Society at Sacred Heart, serving as Secretary-Treasurer for over 20 years and a member of the Volga Study Club.

Marie loved to crochet and can her garden fruits and vegetables. She spent many hours hand quilting with her friend Ellen Mueller, making beautiful quilts for family members. Her crocheted doilies were always a beautiful gift at weddings and birthdays. She was always willing to help at church whenever needed.

She always kept up with everything going on in her family’s lives. Going to ball games, music concerts, baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, weddings, birthdays, picnics and anything else a loving family shares. She was infamous for her giggles, quick to laughter, love of dancing, playing cards, and being the best sugar cookie baker! Marie was kind, non-judgmental, smart and hardworking. She never complained and had a strong will to fight off all her health problems.

Survivors include her son William (Diane) Erickson of Elkader, Teresa (Steve) Kauffman of Reinbeck, Mark (Janet) Erickson of North Liberty, Julie (Dave) Meyers of Volga; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Lois Erickson; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law; a son Richard Elbert Erickson in infancy; her husbands, William and Loy; brothers and spouses, Ervin (Verla) Belscher, Harold (Fae) Belschner; brother-in-law, John Erickson and great-granddaughter, Miya Erickson; niece, Colleen Alstadt and nephew Craig Belschner.

Everyone who was lucky enough to have known her will miss Marie. She was 98 years young and kind to the very end.

Visitation was held from 3:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volga, where a Rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m. and a Scripture Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Visitation was also held on Wednesday at the church after 9:30 a.m. until Mass time.

Mass of Resurrection was at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volga with Rev. John Haugen as Celebrant

Inurnment was at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.