Darrell Erickson

Darrell Lee Erickson was born, as he liked to say, “29 March, 1937.” He was born in Chicago, Illinois and adopted as an infant by Lee and Gertrude Erickson. The family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota while Darrell was still a baby. Several years later his sister, Rita was adopted and the family was complete. Darrell went to Catholic school through 8th grade and graduated from Washburn High School in 1955. After high school Darrell enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served as an aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1958. Upon returning to Minnesota he used his GI Bill to get his elementary teaching degree at the University of Minnesota. He taught one year in White Bear Lake, then came to Austin Public Schools in 1965 and taught there until his retirement in 1997. Darrell was a 4th, 5th, and 6th grade and Chapter 1 teacher. He taught at Woodson, Sumner, Webster, Neveln, Banfield and Ellis. Darrell continued his education at Minnesota State-Mankato and graduated with a Master’s Degree plus 6th year. During his tenure in Austin, Darrell coached girl’s volleyball, girl’s basketball, and track and field. He was a season ticket holder to Gopher Women’s Basketball and Volleyball. Darrell was also an enthusiastic Austin Packer fan. No matter the weather, he would never miss a game. There will never be another unique man quite like Darrell. He was truly a renaissance man. He enjoyed being with any group of people anywhere in the world. Darrell loved to travel! Every summer he traveled somewhere in the United States or the world. In 1976 he biked across the United States from coast to coast to celebrate the bicentennial. He visited every continent, took many river cruises, and made it almost to the base camp of Mt. Everest. Darrell never went anywhere without his camera. He photographed many beautiful scenery photos as well as being the family photographer. At one family wedding his were the only photographs that recorded the wedding as the hired photographer’s pictures never turned out. The Austin YMCA was his second home. He was a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor. Darrell could be found at the Y several times a day and made many friends there. He also spent many hours as a Red Cross Volunteer and instructor. In June 2014, he made the decision to move to Billings, Montana to be with his cousin, Judy Frank and her husband, Warren. His memory was starting to fade and he needed someone to care for him. Darrell moved into Mission Ridge Independent Living and was there for eight months. His Alzheimer’s became more aggressive and he moved into a secure memory cottage where he lived until his passing on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. Darrell was preceded in death by both parents and his sister. His cousin, Judy Frank and her family survive him. He also leaves behind many cousins and friends that were his family, in Minnesota and around the country. A Memorial Service will be held 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Mayer Funeral Home with Father Raul Silva officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Thursday. Condolences may left online at www.mayerfh.com

Service Information

Visitation

Thursday, August 17 2017
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912

Service

Thursday, August 17 2017
1:30 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW
Austin MN 55912