Darwin Erickson Obituary (1936 - 2018)

It is with great sadness that the family of Darwin D. "Butch" Erickson announces his passing on Nov 10th after a short battle with thyroid cancer. He was 82. Butch was born on Sept 25, 1936 in Pocahontas, IA to Mr. & Mrs. Jordan Erickson. He was a wonderful, hard-working man who loved the Lord and his family. Butch was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Butch graduated from Clarkfield HS in Clarkfield, MN in 1954. He served in the U.S. Air Force (1957-1961) and in the U.S. Naval Reserve (1979-1981). He worked in several professions throughout his life: a radar repairman for ITT Gilfillan, Van Nuys, CA; an auto mechanic for his own business, Erickson's Auto Repair, Glendora, CA; a crane operator for Havasu Crane, Lake Havasu City, AZ; an electrician and maintenance worker, McCullough Chainsaw Corp., LHC, AZ; and as owner/operator of his own RV rental and repair business, LHC, AZ. Butch was incredibly active in his church, both on committees and the church choir. He was a member of the Havasu Community Choir as well. He enjoyed traveling the country in his motorhome visiting his "snowbird" friends, spending time with his family, and fishing whenever possible. Butch was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Robert Watkins, wife Mary Gutgsell-Erickson, brother David, and step-daughter Samantha Varnes. He is survived by sons Darin (Cheri) of Thousand Oaks, CA, Chet (Erin) & step-daughter Kamron Law, both of Lake Havasu City, AZ, grandchildren: Kyle, Jordan, Katrina, Emma, and Kori, siblings: Gerald (Charlene) Erickson, Little Falls, MN, Aldwin (Judy) Erickson, Burlington, IA, Harlan (Lorna) Erickson, Elizabeth, CO, Marlene (Dennis) Erickson Berte, Fort Dodge, IA and his beloved dog, Ginger. Donations can be made in Butch's honor to either the American Cancer Society or the LHC Humane Society. A memorial service has been planned on Sat, Jan 5th, 2019, 10:00 AM at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, LHC. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.