Eric Herrera, 56

On or about April 5, 2024, shortly after his 56th birthday, chronic alcohol use stopped the beat of our son's heart and the beat of his drums; but he is finally at peace and his spirit can't be touched.

Eric Lee Herrera was born in Seattle, Washington, on April 3, 1968, to Paula Herrera and her husband, Lonnie. Later, Eric and Paula moved to Kalispell, where he spent his childhood. Eric had his bike, buddies, grandpa and grandma, mom, and the Schmid and Sunde families, along with many adventures, good food, and a lot of love. 

It was in Kalispell that Eric received his first drum lessons. Taking after his grandfather, he later taught himself to play other musical instruments, including guitar which he loved; but the drums were always his mainstay. His grandpa would sometimes carve drum sticks for him to use. He later went on to graduate from Musicians Institute in Hollywood with a degree in percussion. Eric attended Trinity Lutheran and Peterson schools as a child. 

In 1981, Paula and Jim Schilke were married. During junior high, Eric started a rock band with his friend, Mike Russ. In his sophomore year, Jim, Paula, and Eric moved to Bozeman. This is when Eric met Monty Allen, Tom Lutey, Kari, and Carol Jean, and got the nickname Scoobie. It was also during this time that Jim Schilke legally adopted Eric. Later, Eric returned to Kalispell and graduated from Flathead Highschool. Then it was off to Hollywood to get his degree at MI. 

After graduation Eric and Mike Russ, joined two other MI graduates in Georgia and formed the rock band "Lookin Blue." Eric returned to Bozeman where he played with several bands, including the "K Band" with Paul Rose and Monty Allen. Later Eric moved to Three Forks in the Fall of 1998, where he lived until his death. Shortly after he met Lori Rochford. Their friendship lasted many years. Other friends who stuck with him through the good and bad times were Cindy, Jo, Ronnie, and Jess. While in Three Forks he played with Joe Mann and his band "Good to Go" and John Frost. He also worked in construction, retail, and taught drums and guitar. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albin and Ruth Nelson, and Bob and Lee Schilke; cousins, Brian and Keith Cummins; and his great-grandmother, Emma Nelson. 

He is survived by his parents, his uncle Tom Schilke, his cousin Carol Cummins, his Godfather Jan Schmid, as well as many cousins. 

On August 4, there will be a celebration of life with an open mike at the Town Club Bar in Three Forks from 3-7 p.m. 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.