John Martin Erickson, 83, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022.
He was born September 30, 1938, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Charles Dee and Maureen Ann
(O'Connor) Erickson.
John was a glorious person and was consumed by helping others. John was at the top of his class at
Topeka High School, Kansas State University, and Washburn University.
Helping people was how he lived his life. He spent 33 years as a Catholic priest and used his sensitivity to
help people in need. He gave most of his money to those in need. He preached for people who had less
in life than others. John always thought of the needs of others first and foremost, whether it be a
mother's need to see her son in prison or a man's need to find a safe place to sleep.
When he retired from the priesthood, he continued to do priestly things. He spent four years caring for
his mother until her death. He later received the Jefferson Award for his dedication to public service.
John was always willing to drive people to medical appointments, to visit imprisoned loved ones, or for
everyday errands. He counseled people and provided all of the assistance he could in a person's time of
need.
John continued his Catholic faith by going to the church and praying for people during his daily three to
four hour of prayer time. He dedicated his life to caring for others and truly did so many things, they are
too numerous to list. John was a hero to many.
He is survived by his brother, Mark (Sue) Erickson; nieces, Anne (Scott) Starbuck, Monica (John) McBride,
and Amy (Pete) Marhoefer; great-nephews, Nick Starbuck and Brett McBride; great-nieces, Natalie
Sutherland, Leah Starbuck, Megan McBride; one great-great niece and one great-great nephew. He was
preceded in death by his parents and sister, Hilda A. Enewold.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00am Monday, February 21, 2022 at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Ave., Topeka, Kansas. A celebration to honor John will follow
mass on Monday, February 21, 2022 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Mount Hope Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW
17th Street, Topeka, Kansas.
To leave a message for his family online, please visit the guestbook below.