Brigadier General Duane Harold "Leif" Erickson (Usaf-Ret.)

Brigadier General Duane Harold "Leif" Erickson, USAF-Ret., 84, of Prescott, Arizona, surrounded by the love of his family and friends, was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, February 22, 2016.

Leif was born in Farragut, Iowa to Carl and Neoma Erickson. 

Leif was a decorated career Air Force officer, graduating from the United States Military Academy West Point in 1954, the Armed Forces Staff College in 1967, and the Air War College in 1970. He served in various leadership positions throughout his career, including wing command in Vietnam,  and as the commander of U.S. Forces Azores. He also served at the Pentagon and NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. As a command pilot he flew 85 missions for more than 242 combat hours and 8,000 flying hours. 

Leif was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who had an unwavering commitment to his faith, his family, and to the military code of conduct: duty, honor, and country. Leif and his wife, Maureen, enjoyed traveling the world. Leif was a farm boy at heart and loved working in the garden and greatly enjoyed the company of his dogs. 

Leif is survived by his wife, Maureen; children Colonel Stephen (Kelly) Erickson, USAF of Washington, DC and Craig (Terri) Erickson of Tipton, Oklahoma; grandchildren Sophie, Jack, Alex, and Allen; great-grandson Case; sister Theran Ensign; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leif was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lois, and granddaughter Leah. 

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Junior ROTC, Alzheimer's Association, or your charity of choice.