Darrell Francis Erickson, age 99, died surrounded by family Sunday,  December 15, 2024.  He was born March 19, 1925, in Unityville, SD to Art and Helen Erickson and grew up with his brothers Warren, Walter, Morton, Harvey and sister Lorna.  He was proud to have served in WWII in the Pacific Theater.  He graduated from Augustana College with a degree in art. He also sang in the choir as a tenor soloist. He met the love of his life, Phyllis Schlottman, at Augustana. They were married on October 13, 1951.  Dad had many interests including painting, gardening, metal detecting, fishing, and reading. He and his brother-in-law Bud founded Schlottman-Erickson Construction Company (SECO), and it was always fun to for him to point out the projects his company built around town.  Darrell's extended family and friends know and celebrate the many drawings and watercolor paintings he made.

Darrell loved his kids and made sure their summers included a 2-week vacation to scenic locations out west and countless weekends at Pactola Lake, cooking them delicious breakfasts over a campfire and manning the ski boat.

He enjoyed a long and restful retirement and was able to remain living at home up until the day of his death with the support of his family and in home care by Jill for the past several years. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Monument Health, who provided wonderful care for Darrell.

He was predeceased in death by his wife of 66 years, Phyllis, and a great granddaughter, Evelyn Nies.  He is survived by his children Kim and Thom Norby, Darby MT; Les and Kristin Nies, Spearfish, SD; Jill Erickson, Rapid City, SD; and Jay and Ellen Erickson, Rapid City, SD. He leaves behind four grandsons who have great memories of their Grandad; Eric (Michelle) Nies, Jared (Sarah) Nies, Jason (Hannah) Nies and Cole Erickson. His great grandchildren are Elijah Nies, Adelaide Nies, Timothy Nies, Benjamin Nies and Dakota Nies.  He will be greatly missed.

His funeral will be held at Christ Church (1900 Evergreen Dr, Rapid City, SD) at 11AM on Friday December 20, 2025.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cornerstone Mission or the Veteran's Banner Project