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David Erickson, the Chief Executive Officer of Erickson Oil Products, Inc. /
Freedom Valu Centers based in Hudson, died Wednesday July 28th as a result of
injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident near Bozeman, Montana. His wife,
Debi, was with him and sustained minor injuries. She was treated at a local hospital
in Bozeman.
Erickson, 55, is the son of the late Claire and Betty Lou Erickson and was a
1973 graduate of Hudson High School. According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle,
the accident happened shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday on Bridger Canyon Road. The
motorcycle was northbound when it drifted off the right side of the road and
over an embankment at mile marker 21.4, north of Bridger Bowl ski area, Montana
Highway Patrol trooper Erick Fetterhoff said.
"The motorcycle went off the road and struck a few rocks," Fetterhoff said in
the Daily Chronicle story.
Erickson was transported to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital where he was pronounced
dead. Both David and Debi were wearing helmets. Fetterhoff said alcohol and
speed were not factors in the accident.
The tragedy is the second to strike the family in just over a year. On March 24,
2009, David’s parents, Claire and Betty Lou, died tragically in the couple’s
Hudson home.
In addition to his wife Debi, he is survived by his three children Ashley,
Bradley, Grady and his two sisters, Mimi (Jim) Kron of Hudson and Kristi
(Michael) Kampmeyer of the Twin Cities. Another sister Nancy (1951-1974) died in
an auto accident in Colorado Oct. 23, 1974.
The late Herman Erickson (David’s grandfather) was involved in the grocery
business when he moved to Hudson in 1939. In 1950, the company diversified into
the gasoline business with the first store in Red Wing, Minn. Herman, Claire and
brothers Dean and Eugene continued in the retail grocery and gasoline business
until 1981.
In 1981, the company divided and Claire and his family became solely involved in
the retail gasoline business, Erickson Oil Products – DBA Freedom Valu Centers.
After Claire’s death last year, David assumed full control of the Erickson Oil
operation. A company spokesman said a plan is in place for the company to
continue forward.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Debi and their family,” said Sherry Jerry,
executive assistant. “Our focus is on supporting the Erickson family during this
difficult time.”
Officials added that “although David’s death is untimely and tragic the Erickson
Family has planned for successive leadership and has a strong team of
experienced professionals to lead the company today and into the future.”
By: Doug Stohlberg, Hudson Star-Observer
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