PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Dec. 7, 2023
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031
UJS Mourns Passing of Retired Circuit Judge Jon R. Erickson
PIERRE, S.D.— It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the South Dakota Unified Judicial System announces the passing of Retired Judge Jon R. Erickson, who served on the bench for the Third Judicial Circuit in Huron for 30 years. Judge Erickson, 73, died on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Huron Regional Medical Center.
Born in Watertown, Judge Erickson’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was five years old. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls and earned his bachelor’s and law degrees at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
Judge Erickson began his legal career with Andera, Margadant and Erickson in Chamberlain before serving as Brule County deputy state’s attorney from 1975 to 1980 and an assistant attorney general with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office in Pierre from 1980 to 1987. He served a year in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Pierre before Gov. George Mickelson appointed him to the bench for the Third Judicial Circuit in 1988. Judge Erickson retired from the bench in 2018.
“Judge Erickson is leaving behind a legacy of justice, integrity and compassion. His legal career spanned several decades, during which he presided over numerous cases with a keen sense of fairness and impartiality,” said South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who were touched by his kindness and dedication.”
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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov