On the evening of March 24, 2014, Joe Erickson, 41, of Poplar, MT passed away at Billings Clinic in Billings, MT.
Joe was born on July 14, 1972 in Poplar to Sybil (Bighorn) Erickson and Joe Sees the Elk. Joe was raised by his dad Keith and mother Sybil in Poplar. Joe lived all his life in Poplar with stints in Billings and Ashland. Joe attended schools in Poplar and Colstrip. While progressing through school he was an avid wrestler and football player. He was also a lifelong Poplar Indians fan.
“Big Joe” loved to be around friends and family. He would joke and tease at every opportunity. He took up the trade of being a mechanic like his father, Keith. He eventually received his CDL which was quite the accomplishment for him. Joe was always willing to lend a helping hand and would truly give you the shirt off his back. His family and friends will always remember and miss the daily texts and phone calls they knew would come, no matter what.
Joe is survived by his children, Wade Erickson of Poplar, Kristen Erickson and Daniel Erickson of Billings, Baby Joe Erickson of Poplar and Jaycee Erickson of Wolf Point. He is also survived by his mother, Sybil Erickson of Poplar; brother, Keith (Sunee) Erickson of Poplar; and sister, Kristen (Darcy) Merchant of Billing; uncles and aunts, Ernie Bighorn, Jackie (Clinton) Small, Crystal Bighorn, Alda Bighorn, and Jim Bighorn; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends whom he loved very much.
Joe is preceded in death by his dad, Keith; biological father, Joe Sees The Elk; cousins, Mike Thomas, Meaghan Small, Andrew Thomas, and Chuck Moran; and sister, Sally Sees The Elk.
The family would sincerely like to thank NEMHS, Billings Clinic, and Fort Peck HIS in helping with our brother, son, and father in the past years.
A prayer service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, March 28 at the Activity Center in Poplar. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at the Activity Center in Poplar. Burial will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery in Poplar. Condolences for the family may be left at www.claytonstevensonchapel.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Rest in peace son, dad, nephew, cousin, and brother- the struggle is over. Until we meet again.
melvin small says
good morning sybil and family..sorry to hear of the passing of joe.. you have my deepest condolences..take care.. melvin
Kasha Jeide says
Sorry for your loss.. Joe was a friend I met in Great Falls. He loved his family and friends with all his heart… I am so honored to have met him came to know what a great person he was. God Bless~
Penny Kaleva says
I am sorry for your loss. I remember Joe when he was young. He beat me out of a lot of stickers! He always had a great sense of humor and will be greatly missed by by everyone he knew. God Bless You.
Kristian Erickson says
Well dad, its been about a month and a half without you. Let me tell you, it is pretty hard. I never thought id lose the one man i really needed in my life this early. You meant the absolute world to me, i am your only daughter, and as your only daughter i want to say… You were and are the best dad a girl could ever ask for. I’m truly thankful i got to spend an amazing, great and some days stressful, but happy 17 years with you as my father. I’m always going to remember our daily texts and phone calls. Everyday 4th period, i always sit their and wait for my phone to go off. 🙁 I love you daddy, and i miss you so so much. Rest In Peace dad. Until we meet again<3 – Your one and only daughter, Kristian