Erick James Van Pelt, 49, Watertown, SD, went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 16, 2019. Visitation will be at 9:30 AM; funeral services to follow at 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2019, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD. There will be a Celebration of Life Service honoring Erick on Sunday, October 27, 2019, at 10:30 AM at Hope for Life Community Church in Watertown, SD. Reverend Dr Carl Van Voorst presiding at both services.

Erick was born in Mitchell at St Joseph's Hospital on January 7, 1970 to Clifford "Karl" and Gertrude "Gertie" (Welchert) Van Pelt. Erick grew up in the Fedora/Artesian area; graduating from Artesian High School in 1988; then attending University of SD (USD) majoring in psychology. Following college, he moved to Wall and worked at the Cactus Café and Lounge. Erick loved the Black Hills and spending this time there only enhanced his already strong love of nature and the outdoors. Erick then moved to Oelwein, IA, working with his brother, Nick, at XL Specialized Trailers until 2008. From Oelwein, Erick moved to Watertown working as the head of Maintenance at McDonald's for many years. Because of Erick's many passions, he also held various other jobs throughout his life.

Three of Erick's greatest joys in life - the great outdoors, his love of all people, and his never-ending faith. Erick loved fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife, animals - especially his dogs and horses, cars, hats, enjoying nature, driving around the countryside … he immensely enjoyed the outdoors, either by himself reflecting on life or with someone sharing … sharing ... sharing ... and sharing!  And he LOVED people, his family, his friends, the friends he hadn't met … anybody and everybody who touched Erick's life, he would never forget them, and they will never forget him! Maybe, above all, Erick's faith was his strongest guide; he loved our Lord above all others. He is the brother that every man should strive to be … loving, passionate, caring; oh, yeah … funny!; and the most giving person any of us know.

Erick's laugh was unforgettable! Some say he liked to talk, he did! Behind every word he spoke, there was meaning; be it thought provoking, a challenge, funny, good advice, but always love-filled! Erick had many other passions. He filled any free time he had by playing cards, singing, cooking, watching and playing sports, shopping for "deals" and so many more! Erick enjoyed life and everything and everybody that was part of his life, there were no "strangers" to him.

Erick loved and was truly loved by his parents, the late Karl and Gertie Van Pelt; his late brother, Nicholas Todd Van Pelt; his late nephew, Thomas Karl Van Pelt; and his sisters Kariena Eaglefeather and husband Wyatt, Bridgewater; Karyla Dahl, Spearfish; Kathy Halter and husband Dave, Brandon; Krissy Van Pelt Smith and husband Don, Jupiter, FL; Kalicia Hoffman and husband Chris, Erie, IL, Tina Van Pelt (wife of Nick Van Pelt), Auburn, PA; brothers: Tim Van Pelt and wife Linda, Mitchell; Jeff Van Pelt and wife Deb, Tripp; Brad Van Pelt, Fedora; Toby Van Pelt and wife Lori, Sioux Falls; and Barron Van Pelt, Gillette, WY. He also, loved and was truly loved by his many, many nieces, nephews, and friends. Erick's love, hugs and kindness will be deeply missed.