David Lawrence "Dave" Erickson, 78, of Kenyon, died Monday, February 25, 2019 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Dave was born July 24, 1940 in Willmar, MN, the son of Lawrence and Doris (Nelson) Erickson. He graduated from Madelia High School, and then obtained a Bachelor's degree from St. Olaf College. He was an accomplished wrestler and cross country runner at both schools. He began his teaching career in Madelia. On November 26, 1965, Dave married Dorothy Haukebo in Frazee. The couple settled in Kenyon in 1968, where Dave accepted a position teaching science at Kenyon High School. He was a committed educator and enjoyed coaching wrestling, track, and cross country. After 16 years at the chalkboard, Dave left teaching and went to work for IBM and later Foldcraft. He finally returned to Kenyon High School, serving as the technology coordinator until his retirement in 2005. His wife preceded him in death in 2006. Dave enjoyed the companionship of Faye Goldammer for the last 12 years. Dave was a man of simple pleasures: He loved spending time with his family. He loved a strong cup of coffee and a newspaper each morning, a glass of red wine in the evening, and home grown tomatoes each fall. He had an insatiable love of learning, and read Scientific American magazine, cover to cover, every month for over 50 years. It was rare to see him without a book in his hands. He is survived by his sons Mike Erickson of Fort Collins, CO, Steve & Kathleen Erickson of Port Townsend, WA; grandson Emmett Erickson of Port Townsend; long-time companion, Faye Goldammer of Kenyon; brother, Larry Erickson of Loveland, CO; sister, Patricia Erickson of Perham; and many nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his wife and one sister. Visitation will be at First Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday from 10 -11am. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Julie Rogness officiating. A memorial scholarship is being established at Kenyon-Wanamingo High School in his honor. Donations can be sent to "David Erickson Scholarship Fund", c/o Security State Bank, Kenyon.