Donald Erickson was born January 28th, 1921 to Lewis and Julia (Splitt) Erickson in Mitchell, South Dakota. He graduated from Nortre Dame High School in 1938 and then attended University of South Dakota. He married Norma Elaine Johnson on March 1, 1941. To this union they were blessed with seven children; Julie Gaye Davenport deceased, Tyra Lee Wipf of Phoenix, AZ, Dona (Robert) Balcom of Mitchell, Aaron Erickson of Mitchell, Robert Erickson of Mitchell, William Erickson of Huntington Beach, CA and Dorothy (Craig) Nopens of Lake Preston. He had 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. In 1979 he then married Lydia Ramos. Also he farmed for most of his life. He was an avid motorcycle rider, a flat track racing tri state champion. Owned and Operated Erick's Cycle Shop in the 1950's. He loved to play tennis and was very good at the game; he played until the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Norma, a daughter Julie a brother Robert Erickson and a sister Dorothy McMeen.