Gerald Erickson

Gerald (Jerry) Erickson of Redwood Valley passed away in the presence of his wife and children on July 9, 2007 at the VA Hospital in San Francisco.    

Born August 16, 1941 in Deadwood, South Dakota, Jerry spent 14 years in the US Army before retiring in July 1978 as the result of a full service-connected disability.  During his service, Jerry received the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service during his period in the Vietnam War, and later the United States Meritorious Service Medal for accomplishments while stationed at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.  Upon his retirement, Jerry and his family moved to Mendocino County. 

Though facing a grim prognosis with expected survival estimated at only 5 years, and often struggling with painful health issues; Jerry dedicated his life after retirement to helping others, especially veterans.  After achieving his own sobriety, which he maintained for the 24 years until his death, Jerry became involved with AA, sponsoring numerous recovering alcoholics, and he co-facilitated the first PTSD Support Groups in Mendocino County.   After years of helping veterans share rides to medical appointments at the nearest VA Hospital in San Francisco, he began the all-volunteer Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Van in 1989.  This was the first such van at the San Francisco hospital and its success allowed other counties to establish similar programs.   In 2000, Jerry spearheaded the creation of Operation Flags as an attempt to express patriotism and remind people of what the flag stood for.  In addition to these organized activities, Jerry spent countless hours providing one-on-one support and advocacy to any veteran or family in need.   It was with great sadness when, in 2004, Jerry's failing health forced him to withdraw from his much-loved volunteer work.    

Jerry touched many lives in his 65 years and he showed that a single person really can make a difference in the world.  He will be greatly missed. 

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Leona ( Ferguson) Erickson; son Gerald Erickson Jr. and wife Amber of Lakeport; daughter Tonya Erickson of Redwood Valley; son Stephen Erickson of Redwood Valley; and grandchildren Jacob, Caitlyn, Victoria, Stone and Paige. 

He is also survived by his siblings Duane Erickson and wife Ella of Spearfish, SD; Leif Erickson of Vancouver, WA; Ellie Pelzer of Griswold, IA; Bertha Harris of Belle Fourche, SD; Carl Erickson  and wife Fran of Sturgis, SD; Chris Erickson and wife Cleda of Redwood Valley; sister-in-law Minnie Wood of Capitan, NM; and by numerous nieces and nephews.  Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Mary Erickson; brother Lauren (Bumps) Erickson; and sister-in-law Shirley Erickson and brother-in-law Bill Pelzer.  

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2007 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Eversole Mortuary.  A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 16 at 11:00 AM at the Eversole Mortuary.  Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. 

Arrangements and care under the direction of The Eversole Mortuary.