Eric Wyatt Birkeland

Eric Wyatt Birkeland age 82, of St. Anthony Village, MN passed away on June 13, 2021. Born in Columbus, OH, October 24, 1938. Eric bravely lived with dementia for many years. He wanted others to know of his diagnosis to better understand his challenge with memory and communication. He saw his illness as a learning opportunity for others who had family and friends with dementia. He was a natural educator. Eric had a great quest for knowledge. He enjoyed lively discussions with people of varying opinions. He loved to "solve the world's problems." He was a gifted conversationalist and was genuinely interested in people. Eric enjoyed a variety of hobbies and interests. He was a natural athlete and participated in tennis, basketball, skiing and running. He was an active member of a local men's book club for over 35 years, from which he enjoyed many rich friendships and support. He appreciated classical music and loved celebrating his Norwegian heritage. In 1984, Eric and Marlene married and created a blended family. Eric would often say, "We won the family lottery." Time spent at Pelican Lake with family and friends was most treasured. Eric graduated from North High School in Columbus, OH in 1956. He completed a BA in philosophy at The Ohio State University. He moved to St. Paul in 1964 and attended graduate school at the University of Minnesota. He was drawn to computers during their early years of development and started work at Univac in 1965. He moved on to Control Data later in the 1960s including time in Toronto. He joined NCR Comten in the 1970s, and became Director of Product Marketing. He completed his professional career years at HRM- Health Risk Management. Eric is preceded in death by parents Jorgen and Marguerite Birkeland. He is survived by his wife Marlene Hass, brother Jorgen Birkeland (Claudia), son Eric "Bear" Birkeland, daughter Lynn Kortbein, step sons Mark Hass, Kristian Hass (Penny), step daughter Gretchen Doom (Jeff), and grandchildren Ana, Zachary and Eleanor Kortbein, Maxwell, Katherine and Mairi Doom, and Charlotte and Carter Hass, first wife Claire Birkeland, and nieces Clara Potash and Christina Arnold. Visitation 4-7 pm Thursday July 29 at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel, 2610 19th Ave NE, Mpls. and 1 hour prior to service at church. Celebration of Life Friday July 30, 11 am at Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony Village. Luncheon following service. In lieu of flowers, should you prefer a memorial, the family desires donations to be made to Nativity Lutheran Church, the Lewy Body Dementia Association, or donor's choice. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999

Tributes

Eric Wyatt Birkeland

October 24, 1938 - June 13, 2021

Tributes

Eric Wyatt Birkeland

October 24, 1938 - June 13, 2021

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