On June 18, 2020 surrounded by his wife and family, Douglas Erickson went to be with his Heavenly Father. Douglas was born on December 2, 1933 in Norway, Michigan to Edgar and Myrtle Erickson of Iron Mountain, Michigan. He attended high school in Iron Mountain where he discovered a love and aptitude for music. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, graduating in 1956 with a B.A. in Music Education and later a Master’s Degree in Music Education. He was nominated by his peers for excellence in music education and inducted into the Wisconsin Bandmasters Association. Douglas met his wife, Evelyn, at a local county fair and they married on June 13, 1959, a union that would last 61 years. Douglas was a “hands-on” father to his four children and seemed to enjoy games, pranks and outdoor activities sometimes more than his kids, especially when it came to “Tickle Monster” and “Sleeping Daddy.” Each of his children became proficient performers on their chosen instrument and sharing that love of music with him created a deep and everlasting bond. He was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Manawa, lending his musical and spiritual gifts to the church as a Sunday School teacher and performer at special services. Douglas began his teaching career in Florence, Wisconsin, soon moving to Manawa, Wisconsin in 1960 where he would teach instrumental music for the next 30 years, retiring in 1990. His first years in Manawa were spent travelling to the local country schools, teaching music while developing the high school band program. Throughout the decades, he challenged his students to tackle difficult and technically demanding pieces of music to include Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and Marche Slav, the Grieg Piano Concerto and William Tell Overture among so many others of equal calibre. His students always performed at a very high level because “Mr. E.” would accept nothing less and he knew they were capable of meeting the challenge. Students would later say that there was something about “Mr. E.” that made them want to perform well for him. Douglas was unique in his ability to train students to perform year after year at the highest levels. Throughout his 30 year career in Manawa, the high school band was awarded 22 consecutive Class A (most difficult level of music) 1st ratings in annual concert band competitions. Marching band was no different. Playing such technically and physically demanding marches as Bravura, Tropic to Tropic and Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite, his marching bands competed in parades across the country in Atlanta, St. Louis, Disney World in Orlando Florida, Traverse City and many cities throughout the Midwest, consistently bringing home 1st Place trophies. “Mr. E” even took the band to Mexico City! His bands performed countless football halftime shows and also gave semi-annual concerts for the community. With the silver cornet gifted to him by the class of 1975, “Mr. E.” enjoyed leading the pep band at high school sporting events. “Mr. E.’s” lasting legacy was the impact he made in the lives of his students. The relationships he formed over the years were the most treasured and rewarding aspects of his career. Many students remember “Mr. E.” as one of their most influential and beloved teachers. He loved them too. After retirement, Douglas and Evelyn moved to their lake home on the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes in northern Wisconsin where he cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren. Doug also enjoyed landscaping, swimming and building model ships. He sang in the First Covenant Church choir in Iron Mountain and enjoyed a good Packer game (if they were winning). Douglas is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his two daughters Elyse (Ernest) Karam and Tammy (Norman) Goris, son William (Wanda) Erickson, son-in-law Mark Fischer and 12 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Edgar and Myrtle Erickson and daughter Tanya (Mark) Fischer. Do to covid-19 private family services will take place at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, Mich. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. You may leave a condolence or tribute for Douglas’ family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Douglas’ legacy of life.