Mark Robert Erickson

Mark Robert Erickson, beloved husband, father and grandpa, joined his heavenly father on Friday, May 8, 2026. He was surrounded by his loving family when he lost his battle to chronic illness.

Mark was born in Austin Minnesota on July 31, 1954. He was the youngest of two children born to Robert and Mary Jane Erickson. Growing up he excelled and loved to play football and played for a local junior college. He had a warm personality with an incredible sense of humor that created memorable stories, lifelong friendships and so much laughter.

He met the love of his life, Betty, when he was a senior in high school over a slice of pizza. After five years of dating they were married on August 21, 1976 in Austin. During their second year of marriage, Mark was in a life-altering car accident that would leave him with continuous challenges. This experience created an unbreakable bond and endless devotion between the newlyweds.

When Mark met Betty, it was love at first sight. He always called her the “love of my life, my everything”. From their first Valentine’s Day, to the last, he would send her a dozen red roses. Things changed when the florist delivered the flowers a day late. From that point forward, Mark delivered the flowers himself to Betty at work. He would leave her with a strong embrace and tender kiss. He never missed an opportunity to tell her that she was the best thing that happened to him, and how he loved and appreciated her. There are no words to describe their unwavering love.

Mark worked for Hormel in Minnesota and Nebraska. During this time his first four daughters Katie, Karrie, Kristi and Kayla were born. A job opportunity relocated the family to Billings, Montana where his fifth daughter, KaCee, was born. Mark loved Montana and felt so lucky to raise his family in such a beautiful place.

With a drive to better himself and provide for his family he obtained his draftsman certificate. Mark worked as a Draftsman at an engineering firm before receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Information Systems from Montana State University Billings. From there he became a Computer Technician for School District 2. He enjoyed traveling between schools, being around students, and working with educators. Mark strongly believed in the importance of education. He encouraged his wife and daughters to attend college, and they all attended MSU Billings with his unwavering support.

Mark was proud to be a “girl dad.” From braiding hair, if you can call it that, playing catch in the yard, instructing how to do a proper layup, to teaching how to drive a manual car; he enjoyed spending time with his girls. He took advantage of every opportunity to impart wisdom, encouraged his daughters to be independent, and taught them there were no boundaries to what they could achieve. He had a keen sense of understanding of his daughters and built a unique and personal relationship with each one. He missed Kristi terribly after her sudden passing in 2019. He shared stories and memories of her until his last day. We take comfort in knowing they are together.

He was pleased with the partners each of his daughters chose. Mark loved his sons-in-law, Don, Todd, Greg and Logan, as if they were his own.

He was a humble man, never boasting about his own achievements. He had a big heart and a willingness to share his blessings. Be it serving the lord, helping others or welcoming those around him. He took every opportunity to praise any new adventure, degree or accomplishment of his family. You could sense his warmth and compassion in his presence. Mark had a tenderness for animals, who like his wife, daughters and grandchildren, found safety and protection in him.

He enjoyed pheasant hunting with his German short-hair pointers, fly-tying and fishing with his family, and sharing his meticulously, hand-crafted walking sticks. He loved his music, finding comfort in the Beatles, Bob Seager, Jackson Brown, Bruce Springsteen and Phil Collins just to name a few. He was a history enthusiast with special interest in WWII.

His daughter’s fondest memories include listening to him make up songs while driving them to school, summer road trips to Minnesota, and the Christmas tradition of picking out the perfect perfume for his beautiful wife. It was a pleasure to know him, and a blessing to be loved by him.

He will be missed by those who survive him including, wife, Betty Erickson; and daughters, Katie (Don) Olson, Karrie (Todd) Owen, Kayla (Greg) Erickson Thompson, KaCee (Logan) Erickson Lohman; grandchildren, Clifford and Jett Olson, Adalynn and Carter Owen, Ava and Addison Thompson, and baby Lohman due in September; sister, Connie (Brian) Bonfig; and many brothers and sisters in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews; and several four-legged friends.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kristi Ann Erickson; his mother and father; his in-laws, Ralph and Donna Gerber; two nephews, Allen and Phil Clennon; brothers in-law, Bob Cummings and Randy Kvam; and many four-legged companions.

Celebration of life services will be held at 10:30 am at American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Avenue, Billings. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service, with burial to follow reception at Mountview Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

The service will be live-streamed, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:30 Mountain Time for those that are unable to attend. https://youtube.com/live/HnTDXtGG4AE?feature=share