Gale M. Erickson

Gale Milo Erickson of Gayville, SD was born at Yankton, South Dakota to Emma (Olson) Erickson and Earl Erickson on April 22, 1934. Gale recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024 under hospice care. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, on Monday, July 29, 2024 at Gayville Lutheran Church in Gayville with Pastor Drew Riter officiating. The service will be live streamed on the church’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gayvillebergen/. Burial will follow at the Gayville Cemetery with lunch being served at the Gayville Community Center. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be directed to the Gayville Lutheran Church.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Brian Bye, Greg Bast, Parker Erickson, Trent Erickson and Adam Ladwig. 

Gale grew up on the Erickson family homestead. At an early age, he developed a love for seeds, gardens and growing plants. He also learned to have a strong work ethic from growing up on the family farm. Gale was baptized and confirmed at Gayville Lutheran Church where he was a lifetime member. Gale attended Inch Country School at Gayville and he graduated from Gayville High School in 1952. He attended South Dakota State University in Brookings where he graduated from the School of Agriculture. His relationship with SDSU would continue throughout the years. In 1975, he developed his farrow to finish hog unit, following the plans developed by former Extension Ag Engineer, Louis Lubinus. A video was made of the unit and used for instructional purposes at SDSU. The farm also was a cooperator for many years with the Plant Science Department at SDSU on alfalfa research. He would later be named by his alma matter as SDSU Eminent Farmer in 1996. In his later years, Gale became an avid Jackrabbit fan, who attended many SDSU athletic events. 

Gale married Marie Wilcox on October 27, 1957. They were blessed with three children: Kevin, Lynne and Mark. Gale took much pride in continuing the tradition of farming on the Norwegian homestead where his ancestors settled in 1864. Gale and his wife, Marie were the 4th generation to own and operate the original homestead. Gale and Marie enjoyed raising the kids on the family farm where they were active in 4-H activities and completing chores and working together to raise sheep, cattle, hogs and produce alfalfa, corn and soybeans. 

Gale was an accomplished farmer who was an active leader in agriculture programs in his community, county and state. He served on the Yankton County Crop Improvement Board for 17 years and the Advisory Board for the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences at SDSU. He was a member of the Yankton County Pork Producers and was honored as a Master Pork Producer in 1977. During the late 1960’s, Gale was selected as Yankton County’s Outstanding Young Farmer. He was an active conservationist and served for 15 years as a district supervisor on the Yankton County Soil Conservation Board. He also served 8 years on the Gayville-Volin School Board. In 1985, Gale and Marie were awarded the Century Farm Award which was given in recognition of the farm having been in the same family for over 100 years. The 125 Quasquicentennial Award was also received in 2010.

Gale enjoyed ballroom dancing, taking care of his plants and birds and tending to his yard. He liked to tease and joke around with the grandkids. Gale especially enjoyed coffee hour at the Gayville Lutheran Church and reminiscing about his Gayville heritage and farming. 

Gale is survived by his wife, Marie Erickson; son, Kevin (Diane) Erickson of Prescott Valley, AZ, Lynne (Todd) Bye of Gayville; daughter-in-law, Glynis Erickson of Gayville; eight grandchildren: Trenton Erickson, Jenni Erickson, Darcey (Greg) Bast, Stephanie Camp, Brian (Emma) Bye, Emma (Adam) Ladwig, Parker (Sarah) Erickson, and Morgan Erickson; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Earl “Jerry” (Jen) Erickson of Yuma, AZ; brother-in-law, Roy (Linda) Wilcox of Yankton; sister-in-law, Sandy Wilcox of Apple Valley, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Gale was preceded in death by his son, Mark Erickson; and parents, Earl and Emma Erickson.