Eric Michael Sjaarda, beloved son of Marlyn and Cheryl (Hohbach) Sjaarda was born in Robbinsdale, MN on January 7, 1982.  He was baptized and confirmed at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in New Hope, MN.  He grew up in Plymouth, MN where he was every neighbor’s helping hand and graduated from Armstrong High School in 2000. Following high school, he received a degree in Fire Science and served as a Firefighter on the Plymouth Fire Dept.  He spent several years combining his mechanic skills with his connection to the firefighting community working for MES (Municipal Emergency Services), EAM (Emergency Apparatus Maintenance) and Fire Safety USA, servicing fire trucks throughout the Midwest. 

 Eric and Andrea (White) were married on Sept 18, 2011, and made their home in Oak Grove, MN. They were blessed with two daughters, Alannah and Taylor. In 2017, they moved their family to Aitkin, MN where Eric started Fleet Air Repair, servicing HVAC systems in heavy equipment. Eric was actively involved in the community through the Aitkin Moose Lodge 1060, the Aitkin Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club and any place he saw an opportunity to lend a hand. In 2025 he chose to give up the rigor of heavy mechanic work and returned to his love of firetrucks, taking a sales position with Dinges Fire Company, enjoying his previous connections with fire Departments. 

Eric’s quick wit, endless knowledge, and sense of humor made him a friend to all. Throughout his life he enjoyed family camping trips, hunting, snowmobiling and trail grooming, refurbishing his Grandpa’s Farmall tractor, serving on the Anoka County Fair Board, bartending, karaoke, smoking meat, teaching his daughters to bake bread, proudly supporting Alannah’s and Taylor’s school activities and Andrea’s daycare and her love for art, boating, fishing and bonfires at the cabin on Big Sandy, traveling to visit family in IA and spending time with friends. 

Though Eric had some health challenges in recent years, he passed away unexpectedly from sepsis on March 14, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN surrounded by his family. Eric will be dearly missed by his wife, Andrea Sjaarda; precious daughters, Alannah and Taylor; parents, Marlyn and Cheryl Sjaarda; his favorite older brother, Chad (Lindsey) Sjaarda and his favorite younger brother Grant (Stephanie) Sjaarda; in-laws Ken and Chris White; aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; close friends Jimmy Talbot, Nate Klingelhofer, Jerry Dagen and Eric Hyovalti; and the many friends and family who have shown such tremendous love and support. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marvin and Bertha Sjaarda and Junior and Corrine Hohbach; and cousins Jill Sjaarda and Leshia Woodford. 

A benefit for Eric’s family will be held Friday, May 1, 4:00 pm–8:00 pm at the Aitkin Moose Lodge 1060. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 2, at Aitkin Moose Lodge 1060 with visitation at 1:00 pm and service at 2:00, with lunch following. 

A Graveside Service will be held Sunday, May 3, 7:00 pm at St. John Cemetery in Germantown, IA.