David Erickson

David Walter Erickson, 73, passed away on February 21, 2026. Born on September 13, 1952, in Hawarden, Iowa, David was the son of Paul Keith Erickson and Lola Jean Erickson Morton Walsh. He was raised in Hawarden by his grandparents, Walter and Gladys Larson.
David graduated from West Sioux High School in Hawarden and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sioux Falls College in 1976. A musician and educator, he played the trumpet and taught K–12 vocal and instrumental music in Sioux Falls, Viborg, and Hudson, South Dakota, and in Hampton, York, Elgin, and Johnson, Nebraska. In 1981, he served as Director of the Greater York Area Community Band in York, Nebraska. He was also involved in the Western Iowa Arts Association and played trumpet in the Sioux Falls Municipal Band. Music was not just his profession but one of his deepest joys—he loved singing and playing his trumpet throughout his life.

In 1989, David graduated from Central Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained as an American Baptist minister on November 26, 1989, and served in Kansas, Iowa, and Pennsylvania, with long tenures at Altamont Baptist Church in Harlan, IA and United Baptist Church in Taylor, PA. His ministry combined his love of music, faith, and community. After retirement, he continued his ministry online, connecting with people he met from all over the country and around the world.

David had three children with Julie Ann Hardt (married in 1977, divorced in 1996). He is survived by his daughter, Christina (Paul) Strong of Lincoln, Nebraska; his sons, Jeremy (Teresa) Erickson of Richland, Washington, and Kayle Hardt of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and his grandchildren, Tiana, Keijuan, Tina, Pele, and Leslie. He is also survived by his twin brother, Daniel (Pam) Erickson of Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Keith Erickson and Lola Jean Morton Walsh; his stepmother, Fern Erickson; his sister, Margaret Jean Morton; and his grandparents.

Beyond his work and ministry, David enjoyed travel, camping, fishing, and time spent outdoors. Whether leading a congregation, directing a band, or playing his trumpet, he found meaning in bringing people together.

An online memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial gifts to local music organizations in David’s honor.