Earl "Jerry" Erickson

On Monday January 12, 2026, our beloved Earl Jerome “Jerry” Erickson passed away peacefully at the age of 93. He was born to Earl Joseph and Emma (Olson) Erickson on April 12, 1932, in Yankton, South Dakota.

Jerry grew up on the Erickson farm in Gayville, South Dakota, originally homesteaded by his great grandparents in 1875. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. His early education was at the Inch Country School, then graduated from Gayville High School in 1950 and attended Yankton College. Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy on December 2, 1952. He completed basic training in San Diego followed by service to his country in the Korean conflict. His assignments included the Naval Air Missile Test Center in Pt. Mugu, California, the USS Bayfield, the USS Comstock, the USS Fort Marion as well as the Naval Amphibious Base and Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California.

On January 1, 1955, he married Genevieve Ann “Jen” Oswald of Yankton, South Dakota at Dalesburg Lutheran Church in Vermillion. They moved to San Diego where they raised their family, were active members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, and loved ballroom dancing with friends. After residing in San Diego County for fifty years, they retired in Arizona.

Jerry had a passion for life and embraced people. Never forgetting his small-town roots, he was gregarious, friendly and remained close to his South Dakota family. Jerry was generous in caring for the people he encountered, both in his personal and professional life. It was his nature to encourage people, and he saw something good in everyone. His career was in the insurance industry, founding Erickson Insurance Agency in 1960. The business has continued for three generations. He was a member of the Lions Club, Elks Lodge, American Legion and professional insurance organizations.

Jerry loved automobiles, was an avid hunter and was most at peace being in nature. He passed on his passion for hunting to his grandsons. Although successful, Jerry was not excessive in the way he lived, preferring to give rather than receive. His great sense of humor was apparent as he always had a joke to share. Jerry faced challenges with courage and tenacity. He deeply loved his family. His passion for life was contagious and lives on in those who knew him. He leaves a legacy of empathy, humor, joy and appreciation for the beauty of wildlife and nature. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his daughter LaVonne Ann “Vonnie” Zeledon (Kim) of Anthem, Arizona, daughter Julie Lynn Christian of Colorado Springs, Colorado, son Steven Jerome Erickson (Laurie) of San Diego, California, grandchildren Jason Zeledon (Aurora), Jenna Bollman (Tim), Jordan Zeledon (Chanel), Andrea Christian Heinecke (Matt), Bradley Christian (Lauren), Tyler Christian (Leah), Heather Molchanoff (Daniel), Brittany Fowler (Stephen), Holly McNutt (Austin), Landon Erickson (Chelsea) and Billy Erickson (Rylee), eighteen great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Marie Erickson of Gayville, South Dakota, sister-in-law Kaye Loland of Omaha, Nebraska as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Genevieve Ann “Jen” Erickson, his parents Earl and Emma Erickson, brother Gale M. Erickson, brother-in-law Donald Oswald (Joan) and sister-in-law Joyce Westergaard (Donald).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Vangen Lutheran Church cemetery in Mission Hill, South Dakota. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota.

Memorials may be directed to Vangen Cemetery Assoc. 30995 446th Ave. Mission Hill, SD 57046.