David Wesley Erickson

SACO - David Wesley Erickson, age 96, passed away July 17, 2018, at the Hi-Line Retirement Center in Malta, Montana. Funeral services were July 23, 2018, at Saco Lutheran Church with a luncheon immediately following. Graveside services were July 23, 2018, at Reitan Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com

David was born November 8, 1921, to Ernest and Maud (Hess) Erickson in Saco, Mont. David grew up North of Saco attending several schools in the area. While growing up he helped neighbors with haying, threshing, lambing, and various other jobs.

On July 17, 1942, David was sworn into the Army. He got to come home for two weeks before he was sent to Ft. Douglas, Utah. From there, he was sent to Ft. Lewis, Wash., for basic training. On January 28, 1943, David was sent overseas. He was an ambulance driver for the 542nd Amphibian Regiment serving in New Guinea and the Philippines. On November 10, 1945, after three years, three months, and 23 days, and on his mother's birthday, he received his discharge from the army. He truly was one of The Greatest Generations.

After the Army, David worked for his dad and while visiting one of the neighbors, he met Agnes Kegel. On October 3, 1948, they were married. They raised five children; Gary, Mike, Connie, Lyle, and Diane on the home place 21 miles north of Saco.

David was president of the Phillips County Stockgrowers, a member of the Saco Lutheran Church, Moose and Elks organizations, and served on numerous boards throughout the years. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, word puzzles, and everything associated with farming and ranching.

Together David and Agnes enjoyed dancing, jam sessions, and playing cards, going on trips, and their children and grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lawrence, sisters Nellie and Bernice, and a son Gary. He is survived by his wife Agnes of 69 years, sons Mike (Diane) Erickson, Lyle (Joyce) Erickson of Saco, daughters Connie (Alan) Wasson of Loring, and Diane (Will) Eklund of Saco, 19 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.