Erich Evan Burkstrand

Erich Evan Burkstrand, aged 50 of Great Falls, passed away on November 10, 2022, due to complications of life. At age 11, a tragic car accident left Erich paralyzed. Over time he acquired cancer, amputation of his legs, a tumor in his stomach, three heart attacks, diabetes, chronic anemia, and infections. All of this did not stop him from being the loving, caring, and compassionate man that he was. He was very independent. He loved to cook and grill and enjoyed working with electronics. Erich’s favorite passion in life was fishing. He went any time and every time he got the chance. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Erich faced plenty of pain and suffering in his life, but the last seven months got the best of him. Erich had a heart and soul like no other. He was always there for everyone including friends, family, and strangers. He leaves us with memories of his sparkly blue eyes, beautiful smile, giggly, hearty laugh, and the caring compassion he had for everyone, while never complaining of his own misfortunes.

Losing Erich is a huge loss to us all, but he will remain with us daily in our heart, mind, and soul.

Erich is survived by his loving mother, Cindy Ramsey; brother, Charles Mesler; sister, Katrina Seipel; aunt, LuAnn Myre; his very special grandfather, Andrew Paliga; his life-long, best friend, Lee Clark; special extended family, Jennifer Zindell Mesler, Sharon Gardner, and John Waldner; nieces; nephews; and many cousins.

Erich was preceded in death by grandparents, John and Caroline Burkstrand; grandmother, Sarah Paliga; his aunts and uncles, Bernie Burkstrand, Neil Burkstrand, Murlyn and Mavis Burkstrand, Roger Burkstrand, Doris Wheeler, Robert and Trudy Pulst and Karen and Roy Balsley; many cousins; and his life-long companion, his bird Buddy.

Cremation has taken place, and we will update everyone on a celebration of life at a later date.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported us in the end days, brother, Charles Mesler; cousin, Kelly Pulst; John Waldner; John and Darcy Paliga; Sharon Gardner; Harold Wheeler; Wendy and Paul Haas; Joy; Penny; Donna; and many others.

MAY ERICH’S HEART AND SOUL REST IN PEACE

We love and miss you but know your pain and suffering have ended, and you have been made whole and at peace.