Arnieta M. “Neat” Erickson age 92, of Dubuque, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Stonehill Health Center surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Neat’s life, family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture wake service held at 3:30 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at St. Raphael Cathedral, 231 Bluff Street.  Entombment will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery Mausoleum.

Neat was born on February 24, 1933, in Rickardsville, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Weidemann) Schmitt.

Neat married the love of her life, Robert Erickson, on June 24, 1952, in Lattnerville, Iowa.  They spent 46 wonderful years together before he preceded her in death on December 29, 1998.  She was a faith filled woman and a long time member of St. Raphael Cathedral.  In her free time Neat had many interests.  She was a regular Bingo player and was known to engage in a little “retail therapy”, from time to time.  Neat was a die hard Euchre player with a competitive streak that was unmatched.  She especially loved when she was able to win when playing against her kids.  Neat also liked listening to live music and loved going to watch all of her sons play local gigs.  Her family truly was her pride and joy.  She loved family gatherings and spending time with the grandkids, who affectionately referred to her as “Nanny”.  Neat was always interested in what everyone had going on, and kept up on all of their current activities.  Neat was a wonderful mom, Nanny, great-grandma and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Those left to cherish Neat’s memory include

6 children,
Pam (Milt) Pfohl, Kieler, WI,
Kevin (Lisa) Erickson, Dubuque, IA,
Kerry (Stacey) Erickson, Dubuque, IA,
Kelly (Vicki) Erickson, Dubuque, IA,
Jill (Kenny) Wiebusch, Beaumont, TX
and Korey Erickson, Oshkosh, WI;

a son-in-law,
Ron Simon, St. Donatus, IA;

18 grandchildren;

29 great-grandchildren;

4 great great-grandchildren;

a brother-in-law,
Virgil Hammerand, Sherrill, IA;

and a sister-in-law,
Nancy Roth, Sunshine, AZ.

Neat was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Erickson; her daughter, Kim Simon; her daughter-in-law, Beth “Buttons” Erickson; her 11 siblings, Marie (Kelly) Evan, Evelyn (Elmer) Lucas, Selina (Dale) Waters, Leo Schmitt, Lavern (Lil) Schmitt, Jerome (Jo) Schmitt, Geneva (Charles) Arlen, Verlyn (Blanche) Schmitt, Eldon (Joan) Schmitt, Doris Schmitt and Luella Hammerand; and her in-laws, Maxine (Herb) Honey and Marlene (Jack) Boland.

Neat’s family would like to thank the outstanding staff at Stonehill, especially Sophie (her favorite) and Alivia, and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angela, for the kind, compassionate and professional care they provided for Neat.

Cards and memorials in Neat’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Arnieta Erickson Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com