Donald C. EricksonBuhler, KS

Donald C. “Don” Erickson, 74, of Buhler, died January 11, 2026, at Thorne Living Center, Hutchinson. He was born March 26, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to W.K. Erickson, Sr. and Edna May (Sickler) Erickson. The family moved to Hutchinson in 1958.

Don graduated from Buhler High School in 1969 and attended Hutchinson Community College. He served in the Army National Guard from 1971 to 1977.

Don was employed by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company for 13 years. Then, he became the owner and operator of Erickson Tree Farm in 1986.

Don was the first person in the state of Kansas to be a competitor in the Lumberjack World Championship in Hayward, Wisconsin. He competed at the LWC seven times.  He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, wildlife, trees, and making his rounds checking in on friends and family.  Don didn’t know a stranger; his open nature and ability to chat with anyone built him a vast circle of friends. He had a big, bright personality and could often be heard before being seen.

On August 16, 1975, Don married Sandra L. Hoefer, in Hutchinson. They shared 50 years of marriage, most of them at their country home they built together as they started a family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, W.K. Erickson, Jr.

Don was survived by: beloved wife, Sandra “Sandy” Erickson of Buhler; sons, Ryan (Becky) Erickson of Inman, and Paul (Tasha) Erickson of Hutchinson; granddaughters, Peyton, Reece, Stelli, and Cora Erickson; sister-in-law, Karen Erickson of Sterling; brothers-in-law, Gary (Jane) Hoefer of Hutchinson, and Greg Hoefer of El Dorado; and three nephews and two nieces.

Family will receive friends for visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026, at Emanuel Lutheran Parish Hall. Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS. Friends may sign his book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Kansas Forest Service or the ALS Association, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St. Hutchinson, KS 67501.