Erik John Menz

Erik John Menz passed away suddenly on February 3, 2022 in Denver, Colorado at the age of 51. Erik was born on November 18, 1970 in Nashville, Tennessee to Mary (Wood) Menz and John Walter Menz. Erik grew up in the Midwest and always called Minnesota home. Erik graduated Eden Prairie High School in 1989 and then received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College in 1993. It is while attending Concordia in Moorhead, Minnesota that he met the mother of his beautiful daughters, Callie Lunt. The two were married in 1996 and divorced in 2012.
Erik spent the majority of his adult life living in Colorado and working in his family’s spa business. He rarely missed a Vikings game at Cap City Tavern and he loved all things Prince. Erik spent the last several years traveling and spending time with his girlfriend Cheryl Newton and her daughter Taylor.
There is little doubt that the brightest lights of Erik’s life, were his twin girls, Kate Marie and Lauren Nicole, born on November 10, 1999. Kate just recently graduated Campbell University in North Carolina while Lauren recently graduated from Gonzaga University in Washington. Erik adored both girls and glowed with pride whenever he spoke about each girl and all of her accomplishments whether they be in the classroom, on the volleyball court or in the photography studio. He was a very proud father.
Erik is survived by his daughters Kate and Lauren; sister Nicole (wife Amy Dingler); his stepmother Nancy Jean Menz; his girlfriend Cheryl Newton; his ex-wife Callie (Lunt) Jacobs. Erik is preceded in death by his parents John Walter and Mary (Wood) Menz.
A graveside celebration of life will be held at the Redwood Falls Cemetery on June 3, 2022 at 11:00am. A celebration befitting Erik requires that all in attendance wear bright colors. The more purple and yellow the better. Following the service, a reception will be held at what has become the traditional after funeral spot – the Pizza Ranch.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Heart Association at PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online at www.heart.org .
Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral & Cremation Services of Redwood Falls, Minnesota. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com .