Age 48 of South St. Paul,

Passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

If you knew Erik, you probably have a story about him. And if you didn’t know Erik yet, chances are he would have been your friend within about five minutes.

Erik grew up in Inver Grove Heights and graduated from Simley High School in 1996. In November of 1999, he met the love of his life, Haley, at the Wild Onion in St. Paul. The two quickly became inseparable and were later united in marriage in August 2005 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights. Their love story spanned nearly 27 years, including 21 blissful years of marriage.

Erik had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged. He could walk into a room not knowing a soul and leave having made a few new friends. His easy conversation, genuine kindness and ability to make people laugh brought people together. He made others feel comfortable, welcomed and valued—and that is something we will always remember about him.

Erik loved to have fun and rarely needed an excuse to do it. He loved playing golf and cards, especially Buck, and he was always up for whatever game his nieces and nephews wanted to play. Being the “funcle” was one of his favorite roles. He loved riding his Harley, fixing cars, hunting, fishing and cooking. He loved a good laugh, a good story and, of course, telling jokes.

More than anything, Erik was happiest when he was surrounded by people–making memories and sharing laughs. He brought energy and laughter wherever he went, and his absence leaves a hole that simply cannot be filled.

He leaves behind his awesome wife, Haley; parents, Keith and Ladana (Klassen) Mortenson; brothers, Jason, Luke and Brian Mortenson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kay and Gene Kubesh; sisters-in-law, Linsey Kubesh and Abby (Todd) Bell; brothers-in-law, Kent (Lisa) Donahue and Reid (Ashley) Kubesh; and adoring nieces and nephews: Avery, Teagan, Andrew, Olivia, Leighton, Asher, Alexis (Ben & Charlotte Beuning), Jett, Maya, Talen, Easton, Jordan (Nick, Addie & Cole Nicholas), Jake and Katie; along with many other family members and countless friends.

Erik was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncles and godfather.

While we wish we could have more time with him, we can be grateful for every laugh, every story and every treasured memory he gave us. He will be missed more than words can say. But knowing Erik, he’d probably tell us to quit being so serious, grab a drink, tell a good story and have some fun.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights followed by a luncheon. Visitation will be held from 9:30–10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.