Daniel Lee Erickson passed away on October 16, 2021 from metastasized lung cancer. Friends and family will gather for a memorial to celebrate Dan's life on Sunday, November 7th at 2:00 pm at the Courtyard in Ankeny (2405 SE Creekview Drive).
Dan was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 25, 1952 to Alvin and Virginia Erickson where he grew up on the family farm in Sheldahl, Iowa. He had a passion for music and playing the drums. He became a legendary drum player: traveled to Las Vegas to play and was honored to play a session with the Doobie Brothers, toured with Frank Sinatra Jr Band and the New Seekers, and won a drumming contest which earned him a day playing with Buddy Rich. He developed a love for traveling and pursued a career as an Over the Road truck driver while traveling the nation for several decades.
Throughout Dan's life, he loved driving his truck. He received several awards and recognition over the years for his hard work and exceptional service. In 2019 his lifelong achievement was honored by the IMTA (Iowa Motor Truck Association) as a nominee for Master Truck Driver, recognized for driving over 6,000,000 miles. He was one of three original owner operators which began Nebraska Coast where he continued to work.
Dan enjoyed riding his motorcycle, and spending time and talking to his friends, which also included several practical jokes throughout the years. He had a heart of gold, was a loyal friend, had an unforgettable laugh and sense of humor, never met a stranger, and loved telling stories and reminiscing.
Dan is survived by his daughter, Angie Erickson of Ankeny Iowa; sister Charlene 'Shonnie' Joss of Des Moines, and many close friends he has made over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Alvin Erickson, brother Charles 'Hawkie' Baker, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Comments