02 Aug Christopher “Chris” Erickson
Posted at 16:04h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Christopher Jesse Erickson, known to many as Chris or Reverend, was born on January 12, 1983, in Minnesota. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the Bismarck Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.
Family will be receiving friends on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Bismarck Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will be continue one hour prior to the service.
He spent his early childhood years outside Wheaton before moving to the Hazelton area at the age of eight, where he lived until he turned eighteen.
Chris graduated from Hazelton-Moffit-Braddock (HMB) High School in 2001, where he was an active participant in basketball, football, wrestling, and band. His dedication to service led him to join the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG), serving with honor in both Qatar/Iraq and in Kosovo during his two deployments.
He pursued higher education with vigor, earning a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He furthered his education at the University of Mary, where he obtained two master’s degrees: a Master of Business Administration in 2017 and a Master of Public Administration in 2019.
A man of many talents and interests, Chris was co-founder and Communications Director for the Erickson-Merkel Foundation. He was a published author, known for his skilled writing, with numerous transcripts in progress and a constant stream of new ideas. His musical talents were showcased in the band Flea Bitten Tramps where his band earned accolades, including the ND Music Awards for Best Bluegrass Band in 2015 and Favorite Bluegrass Band/Group in 2016. In recent years he stepped out on his own as Reverend’s Roadshow. All recognized his ability to quickly learn any instrument allowing him to follow his musical passion.
Chris had a wide array of hobbies and interests but most of all, time with his friends was what he truly cherished, so much so in fact, that he became an ordained minister. He loved golf, achieving a hole-in-one on a par 3 in his first year of playing. He enjoyed shooting at the range, bowling, playing Mario Kart, fishing, cooking, and curling, a sport he admitted his team was never particularly good at but thoroughly enjoyed.
His friends fondly remember his love for the ranch, where he often hosted gatherings filled with wild adventures. Chris was known for his wit, humor, big heart, and adventurous spirit. He was an inspiring figure, cherished for his one-liners and deep love for his friends, who were like family to him.
Chris is survived by his mother Susan (McGuire) Erickson, his brothers Ben (Ida) of Bismarck, ND, Erik of Billings, MT, and Matt (Mandy) of Lake Park, MN; his nephews Dillon Alvarez, Thor, Lane, and Easton Erickson; his nieces Isabella and Kaysa Erickson; his great-nephew Cooper Paul; and friends who were like siblings to him.
He was preceded in death by his father Donald Erickson and his grandparents Hilding and Myrtle Erickson and Richard and Betty McGuire.
Chris’s life was a testament to his vibrant personality, love for adventure, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the Erickson-Merkel Foundation at ericksonmerkel.org
