Dennis "Butch" Erickson

Butch was a larger than life character who valued family and country above all else. Born in Glendive, Montana on September 1st, 1951, he grew up in Mandan, North Dakota with his sister and three brothers. One of his claims to fame was being the President of the Luther League when he was a senior in high school! Butch was very marked by his dad’s passing at a young age and always said that every year he lived past 35 was a bonus.

Butch excelled at baseball and basketball in high school, college, and the American Legion. The stuff of legends, some (he?) might say. Butch navigated his way handily through North Dakota State University (NDSU) as a member of ATO, the jock frat, and ROTC, which commissioned him into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant. He remained a lifelong NDSU Bison fan and never missed a chance to watch them on Saturdays. A natural born leader, Butch found his place in the Army.

Starting in the Signal Corps, Butch spent most of his 27 years of Active Duty in Army Aviation and Military Intelligence (MI), piloting at least six different helicopters and airplanes, and logging almost 2000 flight hours. He served as a general’s Aide-de-Camp twice and commanded numerous times. He was also assigned to the Pentagon twice. Butch made it a priority to take care of his people by mentoring them and trusting them with autonomy. Arguably his most personally rewarding assignment was commanding the 1st MI Battalion (AE) in Germany.

He rose through the ranks to Colonel and attended the US Army War College (Res 95, Seminar 1) in Carlisle, PA. He was awarded numerous medals, including the Legion of Merit (2d award). After his retirement from active duty, he spent a half dozen years as a peacekeeping trainer. He learned Spanish for some of his active duty assignments and French for some of the peacekeeping training. All together, he served in numerous stateside locations as well as Europe, Africa, South America, and South Korea.

Butch spent almost his entire adult life married with children. His oldest son, Scott, was born at Ft. Campbell, KY. His oldest daughter, Andra, was born at Ft. Hood, TX. Kristin was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital, MD and Chris was born in Sierra Vista, AZ. Butch was a great father and was very proud of all his children.

A lifelong Dodgers fan, Butch quickly adopted the Nationals in DC. He followed them to Spring Training most years and to a World Series win. Everyone knew Butch was determined to visit all the major league baseball stadiums. Some, like Atlanta, he visited numerous times as newer stadiums were built. He visited two as recently as this past summer. Still, he came up five short. His children and friends plan to complete his quest for him.

Butch didn’t know a stranger and was a good friend to many. He was a favorite at his daily hangout, Shooter McGee’s. He also was known as the “Mayor of Upland” as he walked the neighborhood practically every day and had a word for everyone. He loved fireworks and shared his love of pyrotechnics with his neighbors on every possible occasion - Fourth of July, New Years, - someone’s birthday or just a whim.

You knew when Butch walked into a room. Sometimes you groaned at a pun, but he always entertained you in the way that only a smart, quick witted person can. Everyone who knew him was familiar with what his family calls “Butchisms.” For instance: “Do you know how many people work in the Pentagon? About half…” We are trying to capture as many of these as possible and invite you to share any with us.

Butch is predeceased by his father Dale, mother Kay, and brothers Ronald and Larry. Butch is survived by his wife Dorothea, his children Scott, Andra, Kristin (Samit), and Chris, his grandsons Beckett and James, and his siblings Vicky and Rodney.

Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, suggest donations be made in Butch's name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, his favorite charity among many that he supported.

Colonel Erickson
"You are cleared for takeoff to Heaven via Direct Navigation. Winds are calm, Skies Clear and Visibility Unlimited. Contact Departure on frequency Psalm 23. God Speed!"