Dr. Wallace Edwin "Ed" Erickson, 78 of Spearfish, SD passed away unexpectedly on July 13th, 2017 at his home.

Ed was born in Willmar, MN on May 15, 1939. Ed had a lifelong love of numerous things; described at his retirement as a "modern renaissance man." Beyond his family and friends, his passions included, but were far from limited to, education, music, railroad history, the outdoors, Black Hills history, and his Swedish ancestry. After graduating from Willmar High School in 1957, his college career was interrupted by his father's premature death. Barely out of high school, Ed ran the family business until it was sold and he could resume his studies. He received his BA from St. Cloud State and directed the bands at Hanley Falls, MN. His education continued at St. Cloud State where he earned his Master's degree in music. He played many instruments, including his favorites trombone and piano. At St. Cloud State he helped with the marching band and developed a passion for piloting airplanes. He later earned his doctorate in Education from the University of South Dakota (USD) and the University of Minnesota.

While in school at USD, he met his future wife, Loretta (Moore). They married on June 28, 1970 in Willmar, MN. They moved to Spearfish, SD in 1972 where Ed became a professor and Director of the BHSU Library,overseeing its construction while Loretta taught in the schools. Among his many educational and activities, he was instrumental in creating the South Dakota Library Network connecting the libraries of South Dakota and later Minnesota. He drove many technological developments in education. He participated in the accreditation of many colleges and universities throughout the Midwest and mountain states, along with creating educational partnerships and special collections.

Ed had a talent for working with people. He enjoyed being a member of many local and national organizations and had leadership roles in most of them. He served several terms as a member and president of both the Spearfish School Board and the church council of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. He was also president of the Kiwanis Club, and served the professional educational organization PDK. Ed loved jazz and toured with a jazz band behind the Iron Curtain to the Soviet Union. Later, he became active in Odyssey of the Mind (Destination Imagination) as the director of the regional tournament, continuing after his retirement. Always encouraging the development of activities and sports in schools in South Dakota, his efforts in the sport of soccer were honored with his induction into that Hall of Fame.

Ed and Loretta enjoyed the blessing of having two sons, David and Michael. Ed and Loretta were a fantastic team, only to be cut short by Loretta's development of cancer. After she died in 1995, Ed began his role as the sole parent for the boys. Always proud of their efforts, he watched them pursue educations, culminating in Ph.D.s in chemistry and physics. He then had the joy of two daughters-in-law and two grandchildren joining his immediate family.

Ed's family was integral to him. His home in Spearfish became a destination for his siblings and their families. Joined by his family he explored old mining sites, hiked almost every trail, biked the Mickelson Trail, walked the Crazy Horse Volksmarches, and similar activities. He camped his way through 49 of the 50 states,led canoe trips in the Boundary Waters, and was an active arborist. Just as people loved visiting him, he was often found travelling throughout the country and abroad, visiting family and friends. He was eager to talk about his Swedish roots, and cook Swedish food.

Ed was a lifelong lover of railroads. As a high schooler, he began model railroading. This interest progressed as he became the National Convention Officer of the Great Northern Railway Historical Society for many years. Almost every week he worked at the model railroad in Deadwood. He traveled on railroads throughout the world, including his last trips in May of 2017 to St. Paul for National Train Day and in June 2017 for a rail tour of British Columbia and Alberta.

Ed returned to Minnesota often, especially to Green Lake near Spicer, MN, where he had a lake home with his family. It was a gathering place for most holidays, but especially for the Fourth of July. This year he enjoyed spending the holiday visiting with siblings and extended family. He also enjoyed spending quality time with his sons, their wives, and his two grandchildren who were there with him. He left 'the Lake' on Monday, July 10th, talking with his sons and brother via telephone as he journeyed home.

Ed will always be missed by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his wife Loretta, father Wallace, mother Olive, and sister Nancy and other beloved family members. He is survived by his son David, wife Meghan and grandchildren William and Sophie; son Michael and wife Ania; brother Carlton and wife Pat; brother Dean and wife Karen; and sister Meredith and husband Eric. He is also being missed by many nephews, nieces and their children, as well as cousins and numerous friends.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, July 27, 2017 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish. An additional service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar, MN. Inurnment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.