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David Elias Erickson, Jr. was born July 1, 1943, to David Elias Erickson and Ella Margaret Kristina Kylberg, both children of Swedish immigrants. He left this earth June 15, 2023, after a two-month battle with AML.
David grew up on farms in Elroy and New Sweden and attended the two-room Manda School. After moving to Austin, he attended Baker School and McCallum High, graduating from the University of Texas in 1965 with an accounting degree.
On Oct. 23, 1965, David had a blind date with a beautiful UT co-ed, Susan Carpenter, of Farmersville. While UT won its football game that night, David won the heart of an amazing woman who would be the love of his life. They were married for 56 years, reared three children, enjoyed their five grandchildren, and cultivated many life-long friends.
After several years with a big eight accounting firm, David joined a local firm that eventually became Erickson Demel & Co. He loved his work where friends became clients and clients became friends.
David was a devoted community volunteer, serving in roles at St. Martin’s Lutheran, Covenant Presbyterian, Austin Parks Foundation, Marnie Paul Arts Center, Helping Hand Home, Samaritan Counseling Center, Austin Conference of Churches and North Austin Rotary. He was a founder of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce – Austin. He was currently serving as commissioner for Travis County ESD13, president of Friends of Manda School, director at TPFM Insurance and treasurer for the Swedish Vasa Order.
David was known for his smile, kindness, sense of humor, eternal optimism, honesty, selflessness and curiosity. He traveled to many countries, including Sweden where he visited his many cousins and friends. David enjoyed renovating the 140 year-old family farmhouse in New Sweden. He was a loving father and grandfather who inspired endless laughter and always shared his homemade ice cream.
David is survived by his loving wife, Susan, whom he treasured above all else; and children, Stephen Elias Erickson (Suzanne), David Christian Erickson (Amy);,Emily Anne Erickson (Cameron Molberg); and grandchildren, John, David, Eli, Natalie and Ella, all of Austin. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Erickson Henry; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 30, at 11 a.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Manda School, PO Box 50385, Austin, Texas 78763, Manda-School.org.
