Georgene Erickson (Mosey)

Georgene Mae Erickson (Mosey) of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on May 6th, at the home of her daughter, Susan Wright. She was surrounded by many of her family members.

Georgene was born January 24, 1936, to Abe and Bernardine Mosey. She grew up in Milbank, South Dakota and graduated from Milbank High School. Georgene was united in marriage to Elmer Erickson Jr where they resided in LaBolt, South Dakota and raised eight children. Although she was a city girl, she quickly adapted to farm life. She became active in the South Dakota State Holstein Association and relished being a 4-H leader – where she won numerous awards.

In 1977, Georgene moved to Rapid City, South Dakota where she found her passion working for Wiconi. In 1986 she then moved to Arizona where she continued her work with Social Service for the Gila River Indian Community, again winning numerous accolades for her talent and gifts in this area.

During her time in Arizona, Georgene fell in love with the warmth of the desert, the picturesque sunsets and her beloved Scottsdale locale with its entertaining array of restaurants, parks, theater, etc.

Georgene remained a devout Catholic her entire life. She was always active in the church in a variety of ways from Altar Society, lector, and religion teacher. She relished the tradition of Midnight Mass at Blue Cloud Abbey with her family – as well as time spent there visiting whenever she had the opportunity. In Scottsdale, she became a Docent at the Adobe Mission – which was her most treasured work.

Georgene was an avid reader and loved sharing her books. She enjoyed traveling anywhere whether it be back to South Dakota or Paris, France. Her culinary skills were immense – whipping up with ease any menu be it lunch for silage cutters, dinner for a family of eight or a multi-course dinner.

Of all her passions, family was most important, especially her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

Georgene leaves behind eight children: Mary Kay Salley (Rapid City, SD); Chuck Erickson (Kelly), Apache Junction, AZ; Teresa Wollschlager (Greg), Revillo, SD; Susan Wright (Michael), Gilbert, AZ; Lisa Rathbun (Jon) Chandler, AZ; Jill O’Brien, Hermosa, SD; Paula Fischenich (Mike) Flagstaff, AZ; and Jim Erickson (Jennifer) Scottsdale, AZ.

Also surviving her are 22 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and one great, great-grandson; a sister, Charlene Madison, Seattle, WA; sister in-law, Janice Mosey, Rapid City, SD; and 4 nephews.

Georgene was preceded in death by her parents, Abe and Bernardine Mosey and her brother David Mosey.

A Celebration of Life was held on Mother’s Day, May 10th in Gilbert, Arizona. Georgene donated her body to science at the University of Arizona. Burial will be at a later date.