2016 Commodore

Dave Erickson and First Mate Barb Erickson

Commodore Career: Manager, Wonder Bread

Commodore Date of Birth: 3.18.1953

Commodore Hometown: Viroqua, WI Siblings in order: Larry, younger

First Mate Career: Daycare Provider
First Mate Date of Birth: 8.6.1956
Hometown: Onalaska, WI
Siblings in order: Tom, Larry, Barb, Wilbur Jr., Don

Child 1: Shannon

Spouse: Brian Osley Grandchildren: Callista (1999), Maysa (2002), Arianna (2004)

Child 2: Chad (deceased)

Child 3: Kristin Spouse: James McCabe

Grandchildren: Carter (2009), Allison (2014), Grace (2015)

Date of Marriage: 6.19.1976
How did you and your partner meet? Dave was my boss at Food City Warehouse.

Commodore Hobbies and Interests: Hunting, fishing, NASCAR, motorcycling.

Commodore Community Involvement: Freedom Honor Flight, Special Olympics Fishing Club, YMCA fundraisers, Chad Erickson Memorial Park, DNR–teaching boaters safety, Legion Riders, Genoa Fisheries, Youth Outdoor Fest, Friends of the Upper Mississippi.

First Mate Hobbies and Interests: Jazzercise, motorcycling, biking, walking, gardening.

First Mate Community Involvement: YMCA boards, La Crosse Community Foundation, Franke Foundation, Special Olympics, Freedom Honor Flight, LiveSTRONG at the YMCA.

Interesting Family History: Barb: great-grandmother was a full-blooded Cherokee indian.

Tell the story of how you were asked to be a Commodore and First Mate: The very generous Riverfest Commodores wanted to help at Chad Erickson Park and asked Dave and me to give a presentation to them about possible projects we needed at the park. We did get some beautiful picnic tables for the park.

One thing on your Bucket List:

Dave: ride his motorcycle to the Florida Keys for a Margarita.

Barb: dance at my granchildrens’ weddings!