Leann E. Erickson Obituary (1945

Leann E. Erickson, age 80, of Pontiac, IL, passed away peacefully at 3:45 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Fairview Haven in Fairbury, IL. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, located at 903 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764. A visitation will be held one hour prior, starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Odell, IL. Father Bill Keebler will be presiding over her services. Memorials in Leann’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, American Cancer Society, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements. Leann was born on December 26, 1945, in Pontiac, IL, to Leo Cuttill and Mildred (Lange) Cuttill. She married the love of her life: Benjamin “Benny” Erickson on May 3, 1969, in Pontiac, IL. He preceded her in death on February 4, 2022. Survivors include her daughter, Stacey (Michael) Erickson-Zale and her cherished grandsons Benjamin and Samuel Zale, all of Carol Stream, IL. She is also survived by one brother: William "Bill" J. Cuttill, and one sister: Lois (Richard) Shelby. Also surviving are sisters and brothers-in-Law: Marilyn Cuttill, Rose Mary Erickson, Linda (Maynard) Erickson; Mary Jo Norgaard, Sandy Erickson, Michael (Deanna) Erickson, Lori Erickson. She leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband: Benny Erickson, one brother: Thomas “Tom” L. Cuttill, brothers and sisters-in-law: Judy Roberts, Jerry Erickson, Diane (Jim) Schott, Terry Norgaard, John Erickson, Jim Erickson, Kathy Erickson, Dan Erickson; and one niece in infancy, Teresa Norgaard. Leann graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 1964. She then attended and graduated from Midstate College of Commerce in Peoria in 1965. She worked at State Farm in Bloomington, at the dental office of Dr. Thomas Case in Pontiac, at Don’s Red Fox in Pontiac, and retired from Pontiac Police Department after serving as a police dispatcher and parking enforcement officer. She was a proud and faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Central States Threshermen’s where she and Benny loved to display their pair of John Deere tractors, one for each grandson. Leann enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, cross words, sudoku, board games with her grandsons, and reading books. She also loved being outdoors, camping, fishing, going on walks or hikes, or just sitting outside enjoying the weather. She attended the Central States Threshermen’s Reunion every year, and enjoyed watching the parade with family and friends. Above all, Leann was the glue to her family and loved them endlessly. She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, especially her grandsons playing games and hiking in Humiston Woods. She made so many incredible and unforgettable memories that will forever be cherished and remembered by those she leaves behind. She truly was the best Mom, Gamma, Sister, Aunt, and friend. She will truly be missed by all of those who knew her and loved her. This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.