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.