Donald "Squirrel" R. Erickson, Jr., 81, lifelong resident of Superior, died Saturday January 3, 2026, at Essentia-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.

Don was born in Superior on October 9, 1944, the son of Donald Sr. and Helen (Linde) Erickson. He graduated from Superior Central High School with the class of 1963.

He had worked for Flemming Foods, formerly Twin Ports Grocery and Gateway Foods, retiring after 35 years.

Squirrel was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved country line dancing. He was involved in line dancing for more than 50 years, competing and teaching throughout that time. In his younger years, he enjoyed scuba diving and was an avid snowmobiler who also instructed new riders. He had a passion for stock car racing and muscle cars. More recently, he looked forward to attending exercise classes at the Superior YMCA, where he made many friends. Squirrel truly loved socializing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Joe McLaughlin; and sister-in-law, Virginia Erickson.

Squirrel is survived by his children, Karly (Nathan) Madill, Kristy (Derek) Ramey, and Don (Karla) Erickson, III; grandchildren, Trent Madill, Megan (Cody) Urie, Lauren and Bode Madill, and Reece Ramey; siblings, Linda McLaughlin, Conrad (Pat) Erickson, and Edward "Ray Ray" Erickson; and his nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Squirrel's Life will be held on Friday January 23, 2026, from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th St., Superior.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.