Celebrating a Life Well Lived

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving mother, whose life touched many and whose memory will remain forever in the hearts of loved ones, friends, and all who knew her.

Alyce Audree Erickson, age 83, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at Baraga Memorial Hospital with family by her side. Born on June 11, 1942, in Stambaugh Michigan, to parents Charles and Edna Nichols. Audree was beloved by her family, friends, and many in the community.

Audree graduated from Florence High School in Wisconsin, and soon after married Daniel Basto on June 11, 1960. They moved to Ontonagon intending only a brief six-month stay but ended up settling there permanently. While Daniel worked at the White Pine Mine, they purchased a farm on the Quarterline Rd and raised a variety of animals, Audree also went door to door and sold Avon, worked at Johnsons Motel cleaning rooms and worked at Syls Café. In 1980, they purchased Wagars Restaurant in Ontonagon. Following Daniel Basto's passing, Audree remarried Dennis Erickson in September 1984 and together ran Wagars Restaurant and Captain's Lounge in Ontonagon until closing in 2006. Although she enjoyed retirement, she missed the friendships with employees and customers.

Audree valued her family deeply and was devoted to her granddaughter and great-granddaughters. She was recognized for her kindness, unwavering commitment to her loved ones, generosity, and of course her delicious apple bars!

Audree had a passion for knitting especially hats, dishcloths, and potholders. She helped support Hometown Christmas by knitting items to sell and donated to the St. Nicholas project and area shelters.

Audree is survived by her children Annette (with Robert Trail), Dennis Basto (with Bev Gill), her granddaughter BreAnna (with Kyle Page), and two great-granddaughters, Brynley and Kendra Page. She is also survived by her sister Sheila Kapusta, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Audree was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Edna Nichols; her brothers Dale, Wayne, Neil, George, Orrin, and Charles; her sisters Lila and Dorothy; as well as her husbands, Daniel Basto, and Dennis Erickson and several nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held in the future. We are grateful for your understanding, compassion, and support during this challenging period.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Nicholas Project or Ontonagon Cancer Society in honor of Audree's generous spirit and lasting impact.

The family expresses gratitude to Baraga Memorial Hospital for ensuring her final hours were comfortable, Cane Funeral Home for making arrangements, and to JoEllen Howard for providing comfort during that most difficult time. Audree will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for a life filled with love, compassion, and inspiration.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

St. Nicholas Project
PO Box 72, Ontonagon MI 49953

Ontonagon County Cancer Association
P O Box 282, Ontonagon MI 49953
Web: http://ontctycancer.org