Hilda V. Erickson, age 103, of Mitchell, SD died Saturday, October 7, 2006 at Firesteel Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday at First Lutheran Church with burial at the American Legion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7 PM. Hilda Larson, daughter of Frank and Anna (Anderson) Larson, was born October 30, 1902 at Inwood, IA on a farm near Canton, SD. There were eight children in the family. After eight years of country school, Hilda attended Augustana Academy in Sioux Falls for 2 years and received a teaching certificate but was not old enough to teach. Hilda attended Canton Lutheran Normal in Canton, SD for 2 years and graduated in 1922 with an advanced teachers certificate. She taught country school in Union County near Elk Point for 3 years before Hilda was united in marriage with Earl B. Erickson on June 17, 1925 in Inwood, IA. The couple farmed near Elk Point until 1940, before moving to town and operating the Cottage Caf and Elks Caf for 11 years. In 1951, they moved to Mitchell, SD and purchased the A&W Drive Inn. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Mitchell, a Charter Member of the Sons of Norway, Senior Citizens, the Mitchell Bowling Association, Dine a Night, 40 et 8, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary. In 1985, she and her husband, Earl, were named Honored Pioneers of the Mitchell Rodeo Stampede. In 1988, she was one of four Augustana Alumni who received special honors for their outstanding achievements. At the age of 90, she was one of the Senior Centers Line Dancers, performing at the Corn Palace. Hilda moved into Crystal Manor in 1999. Later in October of 2005 she moved to Firesteel Healthcare Center until the time of her death. Survivors include her daughter, Dorothy (Dottie) Fjeldheim, of Laguna Hills, CA; a son, Roger Erickson and his wife, Donna, Mitchell, SD; 18 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl in 1988; and a son, Kenneth. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church or Augustana College Alumni Association.