Funeral for firefighter killed by grain bin set for Friday
Ryan Erickson (Courtesy: Friend)
A Blomkest firefighter who was killed during last week’s storms will be laid to rest on Friday.
Authorities say 63-year-old Ryan Leif Erickson, of Lake Lillian, died last Thursday when storms caused a grain bin to collapse on him.
Friends told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that Erickson’s family is a pillar of the community and his sudden death was a tragedy.
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“It’s been a terrible, terrible blow to anyone who knew … to know Ryan was to love Ryan, he would have done anything for anyone, he was a wonderful, wonderful person,” Beverly Jacobson said.
The Minnesota Fire Service Foundation says a visitation for Erickson will be held on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Peterson Funeral Home in Willmar. His funeral will then be on Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Refuge Church, also in Willmar.
The foundation encouraged all Minnesota firefighters to come out to support Erickson’s family and celebrate his life.
Gov. Tim Walz is also expected to order flags at half-staff on Friday in Erickson’s honor.