Governor Walz Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Ryan Leif Erickson
Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until sunset on Friday, May 20 2022, in honor and remembrance of firefighter Ryan Leif Erickson.
“Ryan Leif Erickson was a dedicated firefighter and previous fire chief who was respected by his family, friends, and colleagues,” reads the proclamation issued by Governor Walz. “With its deepest gratitude, the State of Minnesota recognizes Ryan for his dedicated service to, and sacrifice for, his fellow Minnesotans, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and community.”
Erickson died on May 12, 2022, while serving in the line of duty with the Blomkest Fire Department. Erickson is survived by his wife, two daughters, and four grandchildren, as well as his mother, three siblings, and many other relatives and friends
At the direction of the Governor, Minnesota flies its flags at half-staff following the death of Minnesota first responders fallen in the line of duty. Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.
Active LODD Notification
It is with great sadness that we announce the Line of Duty Death of BLOMKEST Firefighter RYAN LEIF ERICKSON FF Erickson passed away unexpectedly on Thursday May 12 2022 while responding to a call.
Ryan Leif Erickson was born March 3, 1959, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Evie and Bob Erickson. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1977 and attended Willmar the Vo-Tech. He was a true Blomkest lifer, deciding to work at Erickson’s Plumbing and Heating, the family business with the people he loved. Ryan treated each customer like family and was proud to be peoples “go to guy.”
After living the bachelor life for 39 years, he met the love of his life in a chance encounter on a trip to Mexico. In 2000, he married Kelly and became a proud parent to two girls whom he loved and treated as his own. Later becoming the “Fun Grandpa”, always ready for the next adventure.
Ryan served on the Blomkest Fire Department for over 40 years. He always looked forward to their community fundraising events, like turkey bingo and the annual fish fry. He loved volunteer work with his favorite being the two mission trips to Bolivia using his plumbing expertise to enrich their communities.
Ryan was everybody’s friend with the gift to gab. Good luck leaving quickly once he got to chatting. He loved working on DIY projects and could rig up anything. He was especially proud of his float creations for Blomkest Appreciation Day. Many of which won 1st place.
Ryan proudly served on the East Lake Lillian Township Board, Kandiyohi Power Cooperative Board and many other boards throughout the years. Ryan was always 100% invested in whatever he was doing. He truly enjoyed his most recent endeavor working in sales at Perkins Lumber.
Spending time with family and friends was Ryan’s favorite pastime. He loved playing golf with his golf cronies any time it was nice enough to get out. He was always ready for a good game of buck and loved bluffing his way to a win.
His impact is far reaching and will be missed by many. Ryan will be remembered as a great husband, father, grandpa, brother, son and friend.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kelly; two daughters, Tasha (and Dustin) Hage of Fargo, ND., and Jennifer (and Trenton) Adkins of Spicer and four grandchildren, Jackson and Westin Hage and Quinn and Leighton Adkins. Also surviving is his mother, Evelyn Erickson-Paulson of Willmar and three siblings, Ross (and Margaret) Erickson of Willmar, Matt (and Rai-Anne) Erickson of Blomkest and Dana (and Tom) Roderick of Rockford, IL., besides other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and a grand-nephew, Eli Mattfield.
Visitation:
Date: Thursday, May 19, 2022 17:00 -19:00
Location: Petersen Funeral Home, 700 Becker Ave SW, Willmar, MN 56201
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands: All Fire Department Personnel
Date: Friday, May 20, 2022 12:30 -1:30
Location: Refuge Church, 1000 6th St SE, Willmar, MN 56201
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning; Bands All Fire Department Personnel
Funeral Service
Date: Friday, May 20, 2022 13:30
Location: Refuge Church, 1000 6th St SE, Willmar, MN 56201
Uniform: Class A or B Requested
Mourning Bands: All Fire Department Personnel
All Minnesota Firefighters are invited to support Firefighter Erickson’s family and the celebration of his life at Refuge Church, 1000 6th St SE, Willmar, MN 56201.
There will be Fire Service Elements and burial at Evergreen cemetery in Blomkest following the funeral service.