Autumn Erickson

Autumn Erickson, 49, of Yankton, won her battle against cancer on Friday, July 27, 2018 surrounded by love. She laid down her life to kill the awful disease that took over her body. In the end she emerged victorious and leaves this life a winner. I was first introduced to Autumn in August of 1968 when our parents brought her home from the hospital. My first utterance upon seeing her was, “when are you taking her back?” For almost 50 years that same thought popped into my head about a million times. While we had our differences until the end, I am glad they kept her around. As a teenager she was involved in a severe car accident that changed the trajectory of her life forever. Autumn lived her life unapologetically on her terms. Throughout the ups and downs she was always a big-hearted person who touched many lives with her kindness. She didn’t always take the proper path; however, it was her path for better for worse. The highest compliment I can bestow upon a free-spirited soul like Autumn’s is that the world will be a less interesting place without her in it. Autumn was a graduate of Salina High School and an honorary member of the Yankton High School class of 1986. She attended Marymount College and worked a variety of jobs throughout her life. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Yankton. Autumn is survived by her daughter, Maja Erickson of Kansas City, KS; mother, Marilyn Cragun of Yankton, SD; brother, Jay (Nancy) Erickson of Edina, MN; nephew, Jay Erickson and niece, Katie Erickson both of Edina, MN; cat, Sally of Yankton, SD; and a host of friends and other relatives. Autumn is preceded in death by her father, Donald Erickson, grandparents Gus and Alice Erickson, and grandparents Luvern and Eileen Swensen. Hopefully, Autumn and dad have already found a fun place for an excellent cheeseburger. Arrangements are being handled by the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton. Interment will be at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in August. A special thank you to Jackie Benjamin who is proof that there are angels that walk amongst us. In lieu of flowers or cards, consider donating to the American Cancer Society or give a cat a nice scratch behind the ears in Autumn’s memory.