Vern Carlton Erickson, 74, passed away surrounded by family, on May 31, 2023, following a long illness.  Vern was born in Madison, SD to Casper and Helen Erickson on April 2, 1949.  He graduated from Arlington High School in 1967 and immediately joined the South Dakota Army National Guard.  He earned his bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University and later went back to college to earn his Master's degree from National College.

Vern married Debbie Hanson on January 14, 1972.  Following their marriage they lived in Brookings, SD where they managed a gas station and had two children – Jean and Vickie.  They remained good friends following their divorce in 1996.

On September 4, 2004, Vern married Yanni Wang and became a stepfather to Xiao Lu. They lived in Alexandria, VA for several years while Vern worked at the Pentagon and later moved back to Rapid City.

Vern was especially proud of his military service.  During his career, he served in transportation, engineer, and artillery units throughout the State.  He had command of the 147th Field Artillery Unit in Sioux Falls for many years before moving to Rapid City in 1991, where he worked at Camp Rapid as a director of audit until his retirement.  He then moved to Alexandria, VA and worked as an auditor at the Pentagon.  He received the Erickson Trophy from OCS for graduating first in his class, was the chairman of the National Audit Committee for the Army National Guard and achieved the rank of Colonel.

When his kids were younger, Vern coached girl's softball, was President of Tri-Valley Booster Club, and even served as the Mayor of Crooks. Throughout his life, Vern also enjoyed racing sprint cars, hunting, fishing, playing golf with his Elks Lodge buddies, watching baseball and football, and playing cards at the Coyote Den with his military family.  He was incredibly proud of all his children and grandchildren and always had a twinkle in his eye when he talked about their accomplishments.

Vern is survived by his wife Yanni; his two daughters Jean (Noel) and Vickie (Brad); his stepdaughter Xiao Lu; his grandchildren William (Heather), Abby, Allie, and Ethan; his sister Arlys (George); and his brother Orrin (Mary).  He will also be missed by his extended military family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking you to donate to the Rapid City Morning Optimist Club, for which Vern spent many years volunteering.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with services beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors rendered by the South Dakota Army National Guard and the VFW Post 1273.