Search by Name

Search by Name

ERIK WILLIAM TJERSLAND

1968 - 2011

ERIK WILLIAM TJERSLAND obituary, 1968-2011

BORN

1968

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Kern Funeral Home

1122 South 3rd Street

Mount Vernon, Washington

ERIK TJERSLAND Obituary

Erik William Tjersland passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at the age of 42. After a long and courageous battle with schizoaffective disorder he is now at peace in Heaven. It took a lot of courage for Erik to leave us the way he did. Erik fought hard for such a long time to stay here on earth with us. His mind failed him but his heart was bigger than life.

He was born September 20, 1968, to Richard and Shirley Tjersland. He grew up with his family on the farm his Norwegian great-grandfather pioneered on Pleasant Ridge in 1899.

He attended LaConner Schools and graduated from LaConner High school in 1987. While at LaConner he used his natural ability to play sports and excelled especially at basketball. He then went on to attend Pacific Lutheran University, Sund Folkehogskole~Straume Folk School in Sakshaug, Norway and graduated from Concordia College in Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Scandinavian studies.

Erik spoke fluent Norwegian and traveled extensively throughout the European countries and other parts of the world that included Alaska, Australia and Hawaii.

Some of the things Erik enjoyed were being on a farm, amazing sunsets, sitting by a camp fire, being with family, watching and playing sports. He was known for his great work ethic, his ability to make others smile, his sense of humor and his great knowledge of life and the world. He gave so much love and inspiration to his family, especially his nephews and nieces.

He is survived by his parents, brother John (Beckie) Tjersland of Mount Vernon, sister Diana (Doug) Martin of Lynden, sister Sharon Cruse of Kirkland, sister Karen Marie (Dean) Kisler of Bothell, sister Anne (Casey) Stewart of Conway and numerous nieces and nephews who all loved him very much.

Erik is preceded in death by his sister Karen Jean.

Thank you to Pastor Kevin Forquer who blessed us with his comforting presence and prayers. Thank you to Elizabeth Holmes, ARNP for your genuine care of Erik's health and well-being. We waited so long to find someone like you.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 16th at 11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church 2529 N Laventure Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church where Erik was a life long member.

You may share your memories of Erik, and sign his online guest register at www.kernfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald from Apr. 12 to Apr. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for ERIK TJERSLAND

Not sure what to say?





Kathy Davis

April 18, 2011

Search Light Moms wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Erik. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
www.slmoms.com

Also on Facebook

Margaret Olseene-Lindell

April 15, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of Erik's passing. May you find comfort with your memories and knowing that Erik has found his peace.

Roger and Roberta Nelson

April 15, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ellen Danque

April 13, 2011

...lead all souls to heaven, especially Erik...

April 12, 2011

We were saddened to hear this news. We already miss seeing him drive by our place every day.

Barbara Leslie

April 12, 2011

I was sad to hear of Erik's passing. I remember him in school as such a sweet natured person and funny too. He was kind to all. I am so sorry and send my prayers for your family during this difficult time.

April 12, 2011

I was saddened to see Erik has passed. I attended Salem and was in confirmation and communion classes with Erik. He always had a smile for everyone. My condolences to your family.

Jessie Padilla-Bryson

April 12, 2011

John and Becki,
I am so sorry to hear of this news. May your family be comforted by memories of laughter and strength.
Love, Jessie Padilla-Bryson

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in ERIK TJERSLAND's name

Memorial Events
for ERIK TJERSLAND

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Kern Funeral Home

1122 South 3rd Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

How to support ERIK's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor ERIK TJERSLAND's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more