Eric Paul Rozell, 64

Eric Paul Rozell, 64, passed away at home Oct. 11, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer.  

Eric was born on April 3, 1952, in Spokane to Dr. Paul and Marjorie Rozell.  The oldest of three children, Eric grew up very close to his younger brother David, and sister Barbara. 

After graduating from West Valley High School in Spokane, Eric received a baseball scholarship for Spokane Falls Community College. Two years later he received a degree in range management from Washington State University. 

He married Lauretta Lerseth in 1975, and they moved to Miles City where Eric worked for Burlington Northern Railroad. In 1976 they transferred to Kalispell, where he worked as a forester for Plum Creek Timber and Lands (later Weyerhaeuser).

In 1978, Eric and Lauretta welcomed a son, Cameron, and in 1981, a daughter, Kelsey.

Eric had two loves — his family and the great outdoors. He has lived his dream in the Flathead and loved being able to work and play in Montana.  Hunting, fishing, hiking and his love of wildlife have passed on to his children. He loved his kids and grandkids, making the best memories at his childhood cabin in Post Falls, Idaho.

Eric is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lauretta, and two children, Cameron of Kalispell, and Kelsey (Taylor) Hartzheim, grandson Rory, and granddaughter Harper of Bozeman. Also surviving are siblings David (Cyndi) Rozell, and Barbara (Howard “Butch”) Graham, and nephews Paul, Jeremy, and Kyle. Eric felt so blessed to have such a wonderful family and his grandchildren were his pride and joy!

Eric’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Epworth Methodist Church in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to support your local cancer community, or wildlife conservation group.