Daniel Edward Erickson

Dan was born on November 21, 1942, in Pine River, Minnesota, to Edward Elmer Erickson and Anita Geraldine Halverson Erickson. The son of a pastor, he grew up in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska before graduating from South High School in Minneapolis in 1960. He later earned a degree in Elementary Education from Bethel College, where God prepared him for what would become his life's calling: investing in the lives of children.

On July 31, 1965, Dan married the love of his life, Janice Mae Linden. For 61 years they shared an extraordinary marriage built on faith, friendship, and unwavering devotion. They were truly one another's best friend. Together they raised four children: Tim, Mark, Joel and Rebekah.

After graduating from Bethel, Dan and Jan moved to Colorado Springs, where he spent 31 years teaching at elementary schools in District 11, including Will Rogers, Penrose Queen Palmer and Roosevelt Elementary. Thousands of children were blessed by his patience, encouragement, and genuine love for them. Former students often remembered not only what he taught but how deeply he cared. His mission was to make the kids feel accepted and cared about.

Teaching, however, was only part of his ministry.

Beginning in 1976, Dan became involved with the Awana Bible Club, a ministry that became one of the defining passions of his life. For five decades, he faithfully taught children God's word, and pointed countless boys and girls to Jesus Christ. He believed there was no greater investment than helping children know and follow their Savior.

Dan's life revolved around his faith. Every morning he and Jan began their day praying together - for one another, for each of their children and grandchildren by name, for friends, and for our country. When he was teaching, he faithfully prayed for his students as well.

Following his retirement from teaching, Dan enjoyed a second career as a realtor, where his honesty, kindness, and servant's heart earned the trust of his clients.

Outside of work, Dan found joy in the simple things. He loved Colorado and the Rocky Mountains, which were a major reason he and Jan made Colorado Springs their home. They delighted in visiting the National Parks, taking in God's creations. Together they made frequent trips to Cripple Creek, always armed with coupons, which Dan never passed up. Whether they won or lost, they enjoyed sharing a meal together afterward.

Dan enjoyed collecting stamps and other treasures throughout his life. He also started each day with the newspaper, reading it from front to back. He faithfully cheered for the Broncos and enthusiastically followed the Rockies, Nuggets, and Avalanche.

One of the many ways Dan expressed his love was through handwritten cards. Family and friends could count on receiving a birthday or anniversary card every year. He remembered people. He celebrated them. It was one more quiet expression of the thoughtfulness that defined his life.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Janice Erickson; his children, Tim (Carly) Erickson; Mark (Jenn) Erickson; Joel Erickson; and Rebekah Erickson; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his sisters, Nan (Richard) VanDerWerf and Joan (Roger) Swanson; along with many nieces, nephews, dear friends, former students, and generations of Awana children whose lives were forever changed by his faithful example.

A memorial service celebrating Dan's life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 6065 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado. A reception will follow the service. The service will also be livestreamed at: https://youtube.com/live/i5hbp-Jx_Xw?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Awana International Clubs www.donate.awana.org Awana Clubs International, 15877 Collection Center Dr., Chicago, IL. 60693.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23