Dallas B. Erickson

Dallas B. Erickson, age 98, of Caledonia, Michigan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 17, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family.
Born January 29, 1927, Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Annie Erickson, and his brothers Carl and Robert. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy (Sietsema); daughters Pam (Mike), Cindy (Mike), and Judy (Don); nine grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Dallas spent his early years in Lowell, growing up among cousins, aunts, and uncles. It was there he developed a lifelong love for family, faith, and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, and exploring the woods. As a boy, he earned money for school clothes by selling pelts, spent hours walking the forest trails, and became skilled at identifying birds by both sight and sound-a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.
When his family moved to Caledonia, Dallas worked the fields behind a horse-drawn plow until his father surprised him with a tractor. He also enjoyed tapping maple trees, tending the sap through the night, and caring for the land he deeply cherished.
After graduating high school, Dallas enlisted in the Navy at the close of World War II. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Lucille Pleger, while roller skating at Ramona Park. Only six months after they married, Dallas was recalled to service-this time as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping establish an orphanage in Seoul with the support of his family and church in Grand Rapids.
Back home, he and Lucille built a life together, raising three daughters in a home filled with faith, laughter, and adventure. They camped, picnicked, traveled, and often set off on impromptu road trips. Family gatherings at the cottage were treasured times, full of boating, fishing, swimming, holidays, and endless laughter. As the family grew, Dallas never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren at their activities.
Known for his warm smile and tireless energy, Dallas's adventurous spirit endured through the years. He led annual hunting trips to Wyoming, organized group travel, and delighted in winters in Florida, where he golfed, volunteered, performed in talent shows, and welcomed friends and family with open arms.
Dallas built a 41-year career with Prudential Insurance Co., where he earned many professional awards and travel opportunities. More than the recognition, however, he valued the lifelong relationships he built with clients and colleagues.
A faithful servant of God, Dallas lived his beliefs through action. He served on church boards, supported building projects, invested in children's ministries, participated in mission trips, and initiated the first refugee sponsorship. As head usher and greeter, he welcomed everyone who walked through the doors, and children grew to expect his trademark high-fives on Sunday mornings.
At his core, Dallas's greatest loves were faith, family, farm, and fellowship. They were the heartbeat of who he was. He will be remembered as a man quick to love, slow to anger, and steadfast in kindness. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he lived as a true disciple of Christ-teaching by example and leaving a legacy of faith and devotion. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Services
· Visitation: Thursday, September 25, 6:00–8:00 p.m., Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church, 3765 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
· Funeral: Friday, September 26, 10:30 a.m., Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church, followed by a luncheon at the church's Gathering Place