James "Leif" E Erickson

James 'Leif' E. Erickson, age 83, of Watertown, the husband of Barb (Bjerke) Erickson, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2020, in a Sioux Falls Hospital.

Graveside memorial services will be held Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery at Bradley, SD. Minister Marion Grimes will officiate. Services will be held outside, please dress accordingly.

James E. (Leif) Erickson was born August 23, 1937, in Galesburg, IL, to Ernest and Elizabeth (Olsen) Erickson.

He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Navy.  After returning, he worked in Rockford, IL, and Omaha, NE.  He also attended Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL.

He married Barbara Bjerke December 27, 1970, at Crocker Lutheran Church in Crocker.  They lived in Galesburg, later moving to Denver, CO, and then to Watertown, SD, in 1991.  Leif worked in sales and marketing in all of these locations.

He loved all sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals.  He played professional softball, golfed, and bowled.  He also coached Little League baseball.

Leif truly enjoyed his retirement jobs at Hy-Vee and delivering for Waldner's Meats and Preserves.  Talking to people was the highlight of his days!

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leonard and Jack; sister, Lois; and his in-laws, Richard and Esther Bjerke.

Leif is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Tracy (Matt) Moses of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; granddaughter, Hannah of Denver, CO; and brother, Richard Erickson of Martinsville IL.

Memorials may be given to Calvary Lutheran Church Restoration Fund in care of Barb Erickson, 12 Dart Drive, Watertown, SD  57201.

Services are with the Furness Funeral Home in Clark where there is an online registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com