G.Walter Erickson M.D.
1919 - 2003

MISHAWAKA, IN - Dr. G. Walter Erickson, 84, of Mishawaka, IN, died Wednesday, August 20, 2003 in Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He had been a pediatrician for over 50 years. He was born June 15, 1919 in Springfield, MA to G. Walter and Mabelle (McWilliams) Erickson.

He graduated from the old Central High School.

Dr. Erickson wrote a book, 'To Save One Child", that defines his life's practice as a pediatrician. The early death of his sister, Dorothy Erickson, inspired him to become a medical doctor. He graduated from Antioch College in 1940 and received his M.D. degree in 1944 from the Medical College of Virginia. He served his internship at New York City Hospital.

Dr. Erickson was a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1945-1947.

He then began his residency in pediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and continued his residency at Central Maine Hospital in Lewiston. He also served at the Belmont Hospital for Contagious Diseases in Worcester, MA. Dr. Erickson joined the South Bend Clinic as a pediatrician in 1950. He became a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1952. In 1953 he conducted national polio field trials with 3000 St. Joseph County children, contributing to the approval of the Salk vaccine.

Three times he was elected president of the South Bend Clinic. He was chief of staff at St. Joseph Medical Center, chief of pediatrics at both St. Joseph Medical Center and Memorial Hospital. In 2001, he received The Life of a Child Award, presented by the Memorial Health Foundation.

Dr. Erickson is survived by his wife, Martha Adams Erickson; a son and two daughters, Garwood (Carol) Erickson of Farmington Hills, MI, Robin (Jeffrey) Gebrian of West Hartford, CT, and Quincy Erickson (Stephen Nagle) of Austin, TX; six grandchildren, Christopher & Jason Erickson, Molly & Eric Gebrian, and Arianna Nagle & Herrick Erickson-Brigl; and his sisters, Norma Erickson & Marilyn Erickson of Springfield MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that friends plant a tree as a memorial and/or contribute to the Memorial Health Foundation, 615 N. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601; the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend; or the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL. Palmer Funeral Homes, South Bend, is in charge of arrangements.

Published by The Republican on Aug. 26, 2003.

01/17/2023 EJS