Eric Berglund

Eric Berglund, 66, of Warren, MN, went to be with his Savior on Monday, September 15, 2025, one day after his 40th wedding anniversary. Eric's brief fight against highly aggressive cancer was not to avoid death, but to keep the faith–and he was victorious!

Eric J. Berglund was born on October 9, 1958, in Cambridge, MN, to Dr. Alvin "Bud" and Ruth (Raymetz) Berglund. Raised in Cambridge, he graduated from the local high school and earned his pilot's license, flying small planes for several companies. As a young man, Eric received Christ as his Savior, and was marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13, a verse he repeated often). He was married to Jacki K. Grell on September 14, 1985, and the couple would raise five children together. Eric and Jacki resided in East Grand Forks, MN for 23 years, while Eric worked as an air traffic controller. After many years as a dedicated leader and deacon at Cottonwood Community Church in Grand Forks, ND, Eric was called to pastor what would eventually become Harvest Church in Warren, MN, where he served wholeheartedly for 17 years.

His life was marked by faithfulness and a desire to do God's will. He would often instruct his kids to, "Carpe diem!" (seize the day!), and he truly enjoyed life to the full. He overflowed with wisdom and humor, never missing a moment for a well-timed joke. Eric was a devoted husband and an exceptional dad. His children sought his insight and felt so loved by him. His grandchildren ran eagerly to his arms for hugs and tickles, a reflection of the warmth and joy that defined him.

Eric appreciated God's creation and was especially fond of vibrant sunsets, fall leaves and a good thunderstorm. He chose time with family, whether it was on the pontoon at Maple Lake, vacationing to Florida, or traveling to ski/snowboard.

He prepared his family for his (and their) departure to heaven for many years, often quoting truth like, "To live is Christ, to die is gain" (Phil 1:21). After a missed serve or point lost in competitive games of volleyball and foursquare, he would encourage his kids to say, "I still get to go to heaven!"

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Jacki; five children, Jessica (Luke) Johnson and Britta (Jordon) Johnson both of Oak Ridge, TN, Joshua (Sierra) Berglund of Stephen, MN, Tyler (Mirna) Berglund of Apple Valley, MN, and Chris (Jenna) Berglund of Stephen, MN; fourteen grandchildren, Kira, Emilyn, Taivin, and Judah Johnson, Aveya and Rowik Johnson, Raya and Asher Berglund, Aurora, Helix, Verity and Zephyr Berglund, Maverick and Burton Berglund; siblings, Greta (Jeff) Brynildson, Peter Berglund, Karin (Tom) Mabee, Chris (Susan) Berglund, Amy (Paul) Lindberg; and many other extended family members and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Ruth Berglund, and sister-in-law, Linda (Simmons) Berglund.
CELEBRATION of LIFE: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at HOPE Church of Grand Forks, ND.
VISITATION: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
A LIVE-STREAM will be available on youtube via the HOPE Funerals channel. Click the LINK here.

RECEPTION: To follow, with cake, ice cream, and sharing of memories.

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION: Sunday, September 28, 2025, 2:00-3:30 PM, at First Baptist Church of Cambridge, MN, in the Fellowship Hall.