Brett R. Erdmann
November 20, 1966 ~ January 20, 2023
Brett’s prayer service and funeral service will be livestreamed below starting at 6:00 PM Friday January 27, 2023 and 10:00 AM Saturday January 28, 2023
Prayer Service:
Funeral Service:
Brett Ronald Erdmann, 56, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2023, at his lake home on Leech Lake, Walker, MN.
Brett was born November 20, 1966, to Ronald and Jeanette (Botten) Erdmann in Williston, ND. He grew up in Litchfield, MN and then Willmar, MN where he graduated High School in 1985. He went on to play Junior A hockey for USHL before attending college at River Falls, WI and then Concordia College studying Business & Communications.
Brett met Trisha (Wyum) at Concordia in 1986 and they married in 1992. They lived in Fargo for 5 years where Brett worked for Tharaldson Enterprises–learning the hotel business. After working for several different hotel companies in various states across the US, Brett and Trish founded New Leaf Hospitality in 2010. They were best friends and partners in business as well as life. The two of them worked side by side over the last 13 years, building their company from the ground up, starting with the development of Teddy’s Residential Suites & Little Missouri Inn & Suites in Watford City, ND. These two properties were entirely their concept and Brett was proud to bring these top-tier projects to life in Western North Dakota, inevitably filling the gap that existed in the market. At the time of his death, Brett was CEO/President. He was a leader, partner, mentor, and friend to many; they became a part of his family. He loved a good story, a good laugh, a good game, a good time… but above all Brett loved his Lord and Savior, and he loved people; and we all knew it. Brett was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Fargo.
When Brett took a holiday from business he could almost certainly be found outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and boating whether it was at the Wyum farm in southeastern ND, out in western ND, or at their lake home. And if friends and family could be with him, those times were made even sweeter.
Besides Trisha, Brett is survived by his dad, Ron; sister, Rhonda Hendrickson (Olaf); mother-in-law, Katie; his brothers and sisters-in-laws; nieces and nephew; and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Brett was preceded in death by his mother, Jean.
Services
Visitation - Friday: January 27, 2023 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Prayer Service - Friday: January 27, 2023 6:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Visitation - Saturday: January 28, 2023 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Funeral Service - Saturday: January 28, 2023 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Trish — we were so saddened to hear about Brett. We have fond memories of his enthusiasm for projects and new ideas. Sending our love and sympathy. Kim and Steve Zimmerman
Trish, Ron, Rhonda, and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Brett. My time with Brett at Concordia College and at the Sports Center were filled with joy, laughter, intensity, and hardwork not only on ice but in the classroom. The group of players in those years were a very tightly knit group, and Brett was a very big reason for that. Early on it was evident that Brett would set goals and strive to achieve them and it was always apparent that Brett was going to be successful in any career he chose. He had that charisma about him that attracted people to him. He was such a glue for our group. May he rest in peace and skate the greatest 1st solo lap in the greatest pond hockey game in heaven. Gone to soon.
Coach Steve is absolutely right about what Bret meant to our group. We knick named him “The Gambler” as he was the controller in the back of the bus for card games on our road trips. We were a tight group with all the right character guys which led to our success as a team. Although it’s been quite sometime since we connected I’ll always remember his sheepish grin and the laughs we shared off the ice as well as his determination to compete on the ice for his brothers! RIP Bret! You will be missed but never forgotten! 🙏
With heavy heart sharing your loss, I pray Our Heavenly Father blesses you with his grace and comfort through the coming days. Brett always put a smile to my face at our family gatherings. He will be missed.
Dave and I are so saddened to learn of Brett passing. What a truly great guy! We had such a fun time with you and Brett when we visited Walker in 2021. You were both so hospitable to us! We send our love, prayers and support to you and your family. Wishing you comfort in knowing he’s at peace with his mom and our Heavenly Father. God bless!🙏🙏🙏❤️
Mark & Rachael Boonstra
Way too many happy memories and stories of shenanigans to write them all down. Bret was larger than life and so much fun to be around. There’s a hole left behind that no one else can fill. Bret was truly one in a million. He will be missed! Sending you so much love at this difficult time.
Love,
Mike and Jan Devenport
Our thoughts, prayers and hugs for you in your days ahead. Hold close all your special memories. Jan and Cameron Dodge, Watford City
Trish,
I have the best memories of Brett at our wedding. He was such a bright light! He had the whole wedding laughing with his quick wit. He was such a great friend to Tim. My prayers are with you for peace and comfort during this time of grief.
Kerry Dougherty
So deeply sorry about this devastating news. Know there are hundreds of friends that share your grief. With my loss of Sharon I can honestly say I know your grief.
My prayers are with you!
Blair
Trish,
You’re in our thoughts and hearts during this difficult time. I can still hear Brett saying “Trish” as you two bantered and brainstormed together … so much fun and joy and love. You two were an inspiration to us all. Rest in peace, sweet Brett.
Love,
Marnie and Syd
Ron Ness
Brett had an amazing ability to connect with everyone no matter the situation. Many of us were fortunate to have grown up with Brett in school, on the Hockey rink, and with Ron being our Principal at the Willmar High School. I will always remember Brett as being compassionate, focused and he was tough. He was a gift to all of us, and made the world a better place to live. Our prayers are with your family! Matt and Lisa Dawson
We are sorry to hear of your families loss. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Trish, Uncle Ron & Rhonda,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Brett was such a fine person we lived dearly. He had a good soul. A life so well lived although too short. He was very special to us. We are saddened we couldn’t be there. May your wonderful memories help comfort you.
Ron and family,
I am very sorry to of the passing of Brett.
Brett and I went to high school together and were high school hockey teammates. I have a lot of great memories on the ice, in the locker room, and of course the bus trips. His laughter and fun personality always made it fun. Although we lost track after high school, I am honored to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brad Evenson
In Spirit, we were with you and hold you in our hearts.
In spirit, we were with you. We hold you in our hearts.
Sending our love and blessing.
Dave & Geri
Sue & Vic Giroux
We were with you in spirit during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers sent your way, Trish.
Memories! With Love,
Sue & Vic
So sad. Only met Brett, by way of Chris. She always believed in this fine gentleman. May the Lord be with all of his family.
Trish,
So terribly sorry to hear of your tragic loss. I had heard that Brett had a place on Leech and I had planned on looking him up. Just remember he and I making prank phone calls to you while in Erickson Hall and generally tearing the place up on occasion. He was a popular and fun guy to be around and will be missed.
Trish, Ron & Rhonda – I just learned about Brett passing away suddenly in January. I have not been good at staying in touch, and I regret that. Brett was a good friend during the college years and after. Other people noted Brett’s friendly smile, charisma and natural leadership skills. I agree with all those sentiments. I am sorry for your loss.