Eddy Niels Eriksen passed on from this earth into Heaven on August 25, 2024 at age 81. Son, brother, athlete, veteran, husband, father, grandfather, supervisor, servant of Christ, friend - Eddy represented each of these roles with good nature, honor, humility, and ultimately, excellence. He was the best of us.
Eddy lived an ordinary life that made an extraordinary, far-reaching impact on all those he loved and who loved him. He was a star athlete at Greenville (MI) High School, then served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1962-1966. During his service, he married Kathleen Kieft, his wife of 59 years. Eddy and Kathleen started their family in 1969 with their first child, Brion Niels; then were blessed with twins Darin Ray and Daryl Lee in 1971. Around this time, Eddy started work as a lineman for Consumers Power, and bought a home in Wyoming, Michigan. A few years later, the Eriksens joined Unity Reformed Church in Kentwood, Michigan.
The house in Wyoming where they raised their boys remained their lifelong home. Unity Reformed became their cherished lifelong church family. Eddy was eventually promoted to lineman crew supervisor with Consumers and retired from the company in 2000. Eddy and Kathleen supported all three sons in earning their college degrees. Eddy’s steadfast family focus, faithfulness, and work ethic guided and inspired his sons in building their own families. He is survived by children Brion and his wife Paula, and their sons Ethan and Dawson; Darin and his wife, Susan; and Daryl and his wife, Maureen, and their twin daughters Kara and Elyse. He is also survived by his adored wife, Kathleen; and his beloved siblings - brother, Erik Eriksen and his wife, Vickie; and sisters LuAnn Eriksen and Carol Eriksen. Eddy is preceded in death by his father, Lester and mother, Frances.
Eddy was always proud of his sons and daughters-in-law, and especially grateful to God for his wonderfully talented grandchildren, who were all precious to him. Eddy’s unconditional love and quiet strength have been and will always be an inspiration to all of them. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service to celebrate Eddy’s life and legacy will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Unity Reformed Church, 4450 Poinsettia Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508, with family visiting time from 10-11 a.m. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in Eddy's online guestbook.
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