~~    Katie E. Erickson, 35, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 17, 2015. She was born in Racine on August 7, 1979, the daughter of Ronald and Barbara (nee: Michalski) Erickson. Katie grew up in Racine. She received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Cardinal Stritch University. Katie had been employed as a R.N. by Rogers Memorial Hospital from 2007 until 2015 and was presently preparing to start at Columbia- St. Mary's in June. Katie loved her work, and especially working with children. She was a "free spirit", lived life to the fullest, and brought laughter and a smile to everyone she met. Katie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Surviving are her parents, Ronald and Barbara Erickson, of Racine; brother, Chris Erickson, of Milwaukee; sister, Sara Erickson; niece, Olivia Leiting, both of Racine; grandmothers, Mary Erickson, of Racine, and Loretta Michalski, of Milwaukee. Katie is also survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins, all of her girl- friends, whom she considered her "sisters", and a host of other friends. Katie was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Walter Erickson and Jerome Michalski. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, May 23rd, at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Private burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery Hwy 32. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to Katie's parents to establish an educational fund for her beloved niece, Olivia.