Eric Steven Ford

About Eric

It is with great sadness that the family of Eric Steven Ford of Hovland, Minnesota announces his passing on Saturday, July 29th at his home in Hovland, Minnesota, at the age of 38.

Eric was born on May 17, 1985, to Steven and Cheryl (Zimmerman) Ford in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Eric got his GED from Cook County High School in 2004.

Eric worked in construction, property caretaking, and most recently was a stay-at-home Dad caring for his daughter Zelda.

Eric was an outdoor enthusiast and spent many hours with his wife Becky enjoying their shared love of the outdoors both hunting and fishing.

Eric also had a very special talent for grilling, be it the fish he caught or steaks, chicken or porkchops. If Eric grilled it, it was sure to be a wonderfully moist and delicious meal.

Eric had a very special heart of compassion and love for his family and friends. Eric was willing to help anyone in any way he could, maybe with completing a task for someone or just talking and sharing his great heart of compassion when someone may need it.

Eric met the love of his life, Rebekka (Becky) Jo Eckel and they married on June 16, 2012, in Grand Marais. Becky and Eric were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Zelda Ann on December 19, 2020 and the three lived together with Eric's father, Steve in Hovland.

Eric is survived by his wife Becky; daughter, Zelda; father, Steve Ford; aunts, Nora Holler and Beth Zimmerman; mother and father-in-law, Joyce and Scott Eckel; sister-in-law, Michaela Osborn; niece, Charlotte Osborn; nephews, Theodore and Severin Osborn; cousins, Danny Ford, Kyle Ford, Ryan Holler, Kristin Holler, and Jaye Aubree; and many other cousins.

Eric was proceeded in death by his mother, Cheryl; grandparents, Helen (Bergstrom) and Troy Ford, Jean and Everett Peterson, and Leonard Zimmerman; and uncles, James Ford and Jim Zimmerman.

memorial service

Memorial Services were held Monday, August 7

Graveside services were held on Monday, August 7, 2023, at at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Eric’s Life at Trinity Lutheran Church.