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Mark R. Erickson

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On March 14, 2023 @ 10:47 am In 2023,Obituaries | 11 Comments

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Mark R. Erickson, 66, of Prior Lake, passed away on March 11, 2023 at St. Francis Medical Center in Shakopee. A Time of Gathering will be held at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake (4565 Pleasant St.) on Monday, March 20 from 3-5:30pm. A Memorial Service for Mark will begin at 5:30pm. A Celebration of Life will be held in Mark’s honor at a later date.

On July 9, 1956, Carl and Jean Erickson were blessed with the birth of their son Mark. Once they left the hospital, he was brought back to the family’s home in Holbrook, MA. This is where he would spend his early years. From a young age, Mark had a love for the sport of hockey. He and his friends would spend all winter playing on the ice. When the seasons would change and the ice would melt, Mark and his family spent their summers in Cape Cod.

Following his high school years, Mark traveled to Chicago to go to baking school. Once his schooling was done there, he moved to Atlanta where he would meet the love of his life. Mark was going to the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings game with one of his buddies. His friend also invited one of his work friends; her name was Pat. Once the game started, they found their seats and were sitting near each other. The in-stadium camera was moving through the crowd and stopped where the friend group was sitting. Mark pulled Pat over to his seat and the rest is history. The pair were married on August 12, 1979.

Mark and Pat expanded their family with the birth of their daughter Brandy and their son Sean. The kids spent most of their childhood growing up in St. Louis. Mark got to share his love of sports and being outdoors with his children. Both kids were heavily involved with sports. From softball to hockey, he watched his kids play it all. When the kids weren’t competing, the family enjoyed taking vacations together. Trips to Disney World and ski trips to Montana were some of their favorites. One of the great joys of Mark’s life was becoming a grandpa. He loved to spend time with them. He could be teaching both grandchildren how to play hockey and ski or spending special time with his grandson while golfing and making fairy houses with his granddaughter.

Mark spent most of his career working in the bakery industry. He spent time working for Sanders, A & P, Supervalu, Pillsbury and General Mills mostly in their sales departments. Having gained all of this knowledge from his work history, he opened his own business, Creative Occasions, in 2002. He would later sell the business and officially retire for the third time in 2021.

When he wasn’t working, Mark enjoyed being outdoors. In the summertime, Mark could be found on the golf course or on the boat. In the winter, he loved to spend time skiing with his family and friends. No matter the season, Mark always had his jug of wine and a Jimmy Buffet playlist ready to go.

A selfless man with a heart of gold, Mark will be missed and remembered always by his wife, Pat Erickson; children, Brandy (Josh) Rife and Sean (Lexi Alfsen) Erickson; grandkids, Brayden Foy and Peyton Rife; other loving relatives & many dear friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carl & Jean Erickson.

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Condolence from Mariam Finley on March 14th, 2023 1:42 pm

My deepest condolences to the entire family! Mark is watching over you. “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”.

Condolence from Dawn Olsen on March 14th, 2023 1:55 pm

Wow! What a wonderful life mark had. I will always cherish the memories I have with Mark and Pat and their wonderful family . Marks smile and whit were wonderful. I loved creating new memories every time we were together. Til we meet again my friend. Always loved, never forgotten
Dawn Olsen

Condolence from Robert Norton on March 14th, 2023 4:00 pm

I had the privilege of working with Mark numerous times throughout his incredible career in the bakery industry. Mark was an incredible talent, with a deep knowledge of the industry from every facet of the business. I appreciated his no nonsense approach to things and his willingness to work together for the best possible solution. He was a great friend to all of us at Mid America Marketing. We will always remember Mark taking us out on a cruise on Prior Lake on his AMAZING pontoon . He was an incredible and generous host! We know how he loved Pat and his children. We carry you in our hearts as you mourn the loss of Mark, husband, father, grandpa and friend to many.

Condolence from Anthony Garguilo on March 15th, 2023 12:10 am

Mark you were a friend to all and will be truly missed. I wish your family the best because this is a huge blow to them. We worked together and you were one of the best business leaders I ever met. RIP my friend

Condolence from Chris Rosenlund on March 15th, 2023 10:07 am

Pat, Brandy, Sean and family,
We’re so sorry for your loss. When we first met Mark we became instant friends – such a likeable, warm and caring man. He was so kind to our family and some of our great memories are from the times spent on Minnetonka and Prior Lake, Facers, your Xmas party, etc. A bright light extinguished too soon. Prayers and blessings to you all

Condolence from Emily Soelter on March 15th, 2023 11:12 am

Dear Pat and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear the sad news about Mark. We’re out of town so won’t be able to come to the gathering time to share our sympathies in person, but will remember Mark as the always friendly neighbor out front watching over the puppy, the generous provider of delicious cakes for all the neighborhood parties and just a nice person. We are so sorry,
Emily and Tom Soelter (from Glynwater)

Condolence from Jay Mandrillo on March 15th, 2023 11:27 am

My sincerest condolences to the Erickson Family. I first met mark when I just started in my first ISB role about 20 years ago. Mark’s knowledge of the industry was second to none as was his work ethic and integrity. Later in life when I was ready to make a change and enter the sales side Mark was the one who believed in me and gave me the opportunity. In a very cutthroat business Mark was one of the good ones, the consummate professional he stood above the rest. Rest in peace my friend …you will be missed.

Condolence from Ray Lippert on March 16th, 2023 7:18 pm

My sincere condolences for your loss. Mark never met a stranger. I am thankful he called me a friend. We first met opening Kroger Stores in the Carolinas a long time ago, back in the late 70’s. We were young and fresh into the business. We were friends ever since. He will be missed, he will be remembered for his contributions to the great industry we worked in. Rest in Peace Mark.

Condolence from Martin Kern on March 17th, 2023 11:53 am

My most sincere condolences to you all.
Mark was an outstanding executive, a great leader / manager and someone everybody liked working with. He developed excellent entrepreneurial skills after his successful corporate career.
After I left A&P we stayed in contact and developed a friendship and sometimes as a mentor. I will always remember Mark as a family man, great guy, and friend.
Most sincerely,
Marty Kern

Condolence from Gina Tiro Mauro on March 18th, 2023 8:41 am

So sorry for your loss. Mark was a great person and I enjoyed working with him for many years. You will be truly missed by many. Sending Prayers , RIP Mark.

Condolence from Sue & Mark Courteau & family on March 18th, 2023 2:41 pm

We still cannot believe this – we are still waiting to see the light come on every morning from your office window. We keep telling ourselves you’re just on a long business trip.
We will miss our afternoon happy hours on the driveway or the evening gatherings around the fire pit. We will deeply miss your humor and your boston accent. You gave us the ultimate irish goodbye!
Fly high dear friend – until we see you again.

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