Eric Lee Sjoblom

Eric Lee Sjoblom passed away at Essentia hospital on October 18th, 2023. He had family and loved ones at his side.
Eric was known for his sense of humor, social nature, and very big heart. He loved to take the time to learn details about anyone in his life whether it be staff, friends, or the janitor he'd see in the hallways. He would make anyone feel that their lives were important to him and he could fill a whole conversation with one simple detail he learned. He loved to make people laugh with his against-the-grain nature. If you said the grass was green, he would say, "No way – it's blue!" He enjoyed the light-hearted banter that he could stir up. Eric was known for his love of the local dirt racetrack and fishing. On Sunday evenings he could be found with his own personal checkerboard flag and liked to signal to the racecar drivers himself. He was known by the locals and often spotted because of his distinct bright red racing jacket that he loved to wear.
If it was a sunny day, he'd grab his fishing pole and try to catch some fish. His fishing pole was handy at all times in the summer just in case he got that itch. Winter was sports season and he loved watching hockey and football. He had his own referee whistle to call the shots! He rotated his baseball caps to reflect what he was watching at that time, but his favorite was his FBI hat he would wear nearly every day. He was also known for his amazing bowling skills – he was on many bowling leagues throughout his life. He had a signature way of holding the ball without using the holes and would get a strike nearly every time.
He loved going to church and enjoyed watching sermons at home on local TV. Sometimes he would use his karaoke machine and preach along with the program he was watching. Eric was proud to serve his community through his volunteer work at Fruit of the Vine Community Food Shelf at the Vineyard Church. He was also an animal lover - enriching the lives of adoptable cats by being a Cat Buddy at Animal Allies. He was a member of BOLD Choice Theater Company, where he got to show off his acting skills. He loved playing bingo with friends at the Rainbow Center.
Eric had difficulties in his life because of his muscular dystrophy, but he always overcame any obstacle he was faced with and had a positive attitude throughout. He loved getting to know his doctors and would chat with them the entire time he was being seen. You would think they were old friends sharing a cup of coffee together, that's just how Eric was. The next time we enjoy a bowl of popcorn, see a Coca-Cola, or enjoy a "little cutie" orange we can think of Eric. He could be found nearly every evening with these creature comforts. So many things will not the be the same without this amazing man in the world, but we know he is a better place with his father, brother, mother and so many over loved ones who were ready for him to come home.
Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Sandy Lloyd; his father, Larry Sjoblom, his brother, Larry Richard Sjoblom Jr.; grandparents, Sigurd and Lillian Sjoblom, Nana Geraldine Braford, Grandpa Frank Braford; aunt, Linda Kroll; cousin, Troy Kroll and Tracey Replogle; uncle, Benny and Val Sjoblom, Auntie Signe (Harold) Skoglund, Aunt Gail and David Shipley, Beverly and Archie Bzdok.
Eric is survived by sister, Dawn (Mason) Lovald; brother, Ryan (April) Mountjoy; mom, Mattie 'Jane' (Bruce) Robertson; mom, Valorie Sjoblom, and her children, Jeremy and Chad Stafne; Kimberlle Mai and Janalle Anderson; uncle, Duane (Tammy) Sjoblom, Robert Kroll, and Jim Braford; aunt, Jean Braford; great-aunt, Karen Davis; nephews, Austin, Meshach, Abednego, Shadrach, Gabriel, Uriel; nieces, Annastasia, Hadassah and Vashti. Cousins Tammy Weber, Todd Kroll, Justin and Lance Shipley, Shelly (Randy), Dahlin, Denice, Jaime, Kyle, Jason Sjoblom, Danny and David Bzdok, Cassandra Bass, Angie Truell, Joy Clark, Home Staff Family Wendy, Matt, Dan, Sue; all Eric's Home Staff Family; his friends at Lee Foster Care and Choice Unlimited; numerous cousins, and friends.
One of the greatest gifts Eric gave us all, is that we are all Family!
A Celebration of Eric Lee Sjoblom's Life will held on Friday, November 17th 2023, from 2pm-5pm at Incline Station Bowling Center, 601 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802.