Matthew "Matt" Randal Erickson

Matthew R. Erickson, age 45 of the Township of Deer Creek, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at his home; due to a suspected acute heart-related event.

Matthew “Matt” Randal Erickson was born February 11, 1980 in Neenah, WI, son to Randal “Randy” & Carol (Shulze) Erickson. He was a member of Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville with his family, where he was confirmed in his faith. Matt attended Clintonville Schools, where he graduated with the class of 1998. While still in high school, Matt took part in military artillery training and actually joined the WI National Guard with B Battery, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, Red Fox Division, Clintonville, while he was still 17. He worked for a time at the Clintonville radio station, Waupaca Elevator, and Walker Forge. With his National Guard unit, Matt served as a member of a nine-person Howitzer crew, where his crucial responsibilities included ammunition organization, precise powder charge preparation, and expert assembly of fuse and shell combinations. His organization and professional skills saw him elevated to Ammunition Team Chief, a significant position at the rank of Specialist (E-4). Under his command, Matt’s artillery team achieved numerous accolades in the highly competitive “Top Gun” competitions over many years. His National Guard Unit was later deployed during the Iraq war, but because of some unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to join them in service. That didn’t stop Matt from enlisting in the Army as an active duty infantryman, serving with the 3/29 FA, 4th Infantry Division. After being stationed in Germany for over a year, he was later deployed to Bagdad, Iraq from 2006-2008; and again to Al Kuk, Iraq/Iran. Matt was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO, during, and in between deployments. Matt’s commitment to consistently going above and beyond the scope of his duties, solidified his reputation as an honorable and exemplary leader within his units. Following an honorable discharge from the military, Matt lived and worked in Colorado as a technician at an auto repair shop. He also lived in Georgia briefly. Matt was 100% disabled as a result from events during his service and a very serious heart condition following a heart attack which left him hospitalized for quite a while. After moving back to the area about four years ago, Matt enjoyed living near his parents and the rest of his family again and started to put down some roots. He helped where he could around Erickson Farms and enjoyed working with his family. His spare time was spent remodeling his home and taking care of his property. Caring for his chickens and kitties on the farm was a labor of love. He also enjoyed building large Lego sets and really knew a lot about Star Wars and Star Trek. Matt was also an active moderator on the Clintonville Let’s Talk About It Facebook page, and liked to keep up to date on local happenings. Matt will be remembered for the unconditional love and care he had for his children; and after having traveled around the world, he would now say that he preferred life back home near family.      

Matt is survived by his children: Ava Thao, Unique Erickson, Joey Henson, & Christopher Erickson  
Parents: Randy & Carol Erickson
Grandmother: Alice Shulze
Siblings: Amy (Toby) Kersten & Adam (Kristy) Erickson
Nieces & nephews: Allysin (Tyler) Conradt, Hailey (Lucas Schoenicke) Kersten, Lillian (John) Kollmorgen, Tylie, Randi, Frankie, & Toby Kersten, & Ila, Owen, Evelyn, & Emmy Erickson
Grand nephews: Dean Kollmorgen & Theo Conradt
Many other relatives and friends 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Neil & Arlene Erickson & his maternal grandfather, Gordon Shulze.

Memorial services will be held 11 AM on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Christus Lutheran Church, Clintonville, with the Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Military honors will be conducted following the service by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will take place on Saturday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Erickson family.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.