David James Erickson

MADELIA, Minn. - David James Erickson, 28, of Ironwood, Mich., died unexpectedly in a construction site accident on Monday afternoon, June 13, 2016, in Madelia.

David was born Dec. 15, 1987, in Ironwood, son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Swanson) Erickson, attended G.N. Sleight School, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the Class of 2006. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 30, 2008, and received his basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. and his medical training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. His first duty station was at Fort Drum, N.Y., and then he continued on to Vilseck, Germany. David completed two tours of duty as a combat medic in the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan for the global war on terrorism, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant on Nov. 19, 2014. His decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons awarded include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd award), NATO Medal, Combat Medical Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Wheeled Vehicle(S).

Following his discharge, David returned to Ironwood and attended a semester at Gogebic Community College in the nursing program and worked at Family Video. At the time of his death he was employed as a heavy equipment operator for the Vortex Tile and Drain Co. of Grand Forks, N.D.

David was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, and Ironwood Knight of Columbus Council 1396. An avid bowler, he bowled in Range area leagues over the years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and four-wheeling, and loved to cook. He also was a big Detroit Tiger and Green Bay Packer fan.

Surviving are his father and mother, Tom and Mary Ann Erickson, Ironwood; brother, Dean (Corrie) Erickson, Bessemer; niece, Adalee Marie Erickson; uncle, Gordon E. (Mary) Erickson, Bessemer; aunt, Jane Ringsmuth, Wakefield; numerous cousins; and a host of friends.

David was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Gordon and Alfrieda Erickson; maternal grandparents, Luther and Pauline Swanson; and aunt and uncles, Charles and Sally Ann Gass, Gerald Swanson and James Ringsmuth.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 28, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation in the St. Joseph Family Room at 9:30 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and inurnment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, where full military honors will be accorded by the Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will be served in the parish hall upon return from the cemetery.

Members of Pere Menard Assembly 471, Knights of the Fourth Degree, will stand guard in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Honorary pallbearers will be Staff Sergeant Robert Hayford, Staff Sergeant Kathy Hutchison, Staff Sergeant Nicholas Hellen, Sergeant Christa Baron, Sergeant Christopher Rogers, James Trcka, Casey Rady and Douglas Smith.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be given to David's family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.