Dennis Gene Erickson

Dennis Erickson, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on March 17, 2026. He was the fourth child and third son born to Bernard and Alice Olson Erickson on May 26, 1935 in Fresno, California. He was raised in Kingsburg, California, a small Central Valley town with a large Swedish community.

After graduating from high school, Dennis served in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CV–A18), where he worked as both a radio operator and in radar. During his service, he completed a tour through Asia during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Dennis moved to San Francisco and pursued his interest in architecture at the University of California Berkeley. During his studies, he spent a year in Sweden, working as an architect at the Swedish Co-op where he developed multi-family housing and community amenities. He returned to Berkeley, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in June 1963.

Dennis spent the majority of his professional career with the prominent San Francisco firm Wurster Bernardi & Emmons where he became a Senior Associate. He contributed to many notable San Francisco projects, including 555 California (formerly Bank of America World Headquarters); Northpoint, Embarcadero Center, and John Muir Apartments; Ghirardelli Square remodel; The Ice House remodel; Daniel Burnham Court; San Francisco Towers Retirement Community. Among his many projects outside of San Francisco were numerous apartment complexes, Valco Fashion Park in Cupertino, Carmel Plaza, and the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

After his time at Wurster Bernardi & Emmons, Dennis continued his career at JCM Construction Management with the building of the Caltrans Oakland Office and the San Bernadino Medical Center.

Dennis’ first marriage was to Marianne Jambeck. They welcomed a son, Carl, in 1966, and later divorced. While volunteering at the Berkeley Co-op, he met Barbara Fischer. They were married in 1975.

Dennis was a member of many professional organizations, the Swedish Society of San Francisco, Fylgia Lodge, and Nordic Northwest in Portland. He had a deep appreciation for his Swedish heritage and hosted an annual holiday smorgasbord. He was known for making his beloved Swedish meatballs, rice pudding, and occasionally his own aquavit.

He found joy in researching family history, reading, Gary Larson comics, following current affairs, and cheering on his beloved Cal Bears football team and San Francisco sports teams. He liked classical and Swedish folk music, and he enjoyed attending the symphony, spending time with family and drinking a glass of rosé before dinner.

Dennis had a sharp mind and embraced the digital age – he was notably computer literate even into his 90s. He balanced a frugal nature with great generosity, and he brought quiet humor and a steady presence to those around him. His dogs, Fritz and Rollo, brought him great companionship and dog park friendships over the years.

The year 2025 was a particularly meaningful one for Dennis and his family. He and Barbara relocated to Portland to be close to Carl and Anita, creating more opportunities for time together. That same year, Dennis celebrated his 90th birthday with a joyful gathering in his hometown of Kingsburg, and he and Barbara marked their 50th wedding anniversary on the Oregon Coast. These occasions were filled with love, laughter, and connection – memories that will be especially treasured.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his son Carl; and his daughter-in-law, Anita.

His remains will be placed in the columbarium at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon where a memorial service will be held on June 12, 2026.

Dennis will be remembered for his intelligence, dedication to his craft, deep love of family, and the thoughtful, steady way he lived his life. HOW SWEDE HE WAS!

Donations in Dennis’ memory may be made to the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (Gladstone.org).