Eric (Thomas) Hayes, age 55, of Cloquet, MN passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026.

Eric was born in Minneapolis, MN to Thomas Hayes and Phylis Hayes (Deal). He graduated from McGregor High School in 1988 and worked as a masonry laborer before returning to college and graduating from UMD in 2015. He described his last job at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College as a “very special place,” the best place he ever worked.

He loved playing fantasy football (Champion), especially with his sons, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a wonderful father, whose sons meant the world to him.

Eric is survived by: his beloved wife, Nickoel Anderson; his sons, Blair, Marshall, and Carson Hayes; his mother, Phylis (Randy) Thompson; brother, Brock Hayes; life-long friends Scott and Todd Hemmeter; as well as numerous relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Hayes.

Eric positively impacted many people over the years and will be dearly missed by all.

A Celebration of Life is planned for January 31, 2026. Details will be posted on his CaringBridge page.