Donald Eugene Ericson was born June 26, 1942, to Gene and Annie (Freed) Ericson. He was delivered by a midwife and was small enough to be
taken home in a shoe box. Don died Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at home with his family at his side.

Don grew up on the family ranch south of Nisland. He attended rural schools and graduated from Newell High School. Upon graduation, he
attended SDSM&T and graduated from BHSU with his teaching degree. Following graduation, Don accepted a teaching position with Meade 46-1 as a "starting point." 43 years later he retired, having taught math, science, electronics, geology, archaeology, and paleontology. Don was one of the original teachers at the Sturgis Academy and spent many additional hours tutoring students either at the dining room table or his favorite spot on the floor in his home. In 2008, Don was honored as teacher of the year.

In 1964, he married his first love and best friend, Gerie Goddard (ask Gerie about the wedding video – she literally fell head over heels for him). Don was an elder in the Church of Christ and attended the Sturgis congregation. One highlight for him was baptizing both of his grandsons.

Don was involved in many activities through the years. He served on the board of directors for the Newell and Fort Meade Museums. He was an active member of the Sturgis Fire Department for many years and also worked for the Sturgis Police Department in the summer for several years. He was an avocational archaeologist doing volunteer research for the BLM and South Dakota Archaeology Research Center. He achieved his goal of being the first to discover and record a prehistoric site, which he named "The Bucket List Site." Don owned his own communication
business and also had an amateur radio operator's license.

He is survived by Gerie, his wife of 50 years; son, Jay and his wife, Laura, of Nisland, SD; daughter, DeeAnna Opstedahl and her husband, Jon, of Dickinson, ND; two grandsons, Gabe and Greg Opstedahl; sister, Barbara Kapinos and her husband, Kip, of Bozeman, MT; mother-in-law, Anna Goddard of Sturgis; brothers-in-law, Tom (Betty) Goddard of Sturgis and Monte (Tarrie) Goddard of Sturgis; sister-in-law, Lavina Goddard of Sturgis; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Don is also survived by his church family.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; father-in-law, Forrest Goddard; brother-inlaw, Marshall Goddard; his grandparents; and
several uncles and aunts.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Click on link to view service folder