Colin Todd Lerbakken
January 13, 1972 ~ December 7, 2024
Born in:
Portland, Oregon
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Colin’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below starting at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 12, 2024:
Colin Todd Lerbakken, 52, Fargo, ND passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at his home after a courageous six-month battle with cancer in the presence of his wife, Liz, and brother, Derek, at his side.
Colin was born on Friday, January 13, 1972, the son of Joel & Paulette (Woytassek) Lerbakken in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Williston High School in 1990 where he competed as a wrestler, and later went on to graduate with an associate’s degree from the North Dakota State College of Science in 2001.
Colin joined the United States Marine Corp in 1990 and was honorably discharged in 1994. During this time, he was stationed at the Marine Corp Air Ground Combat Center in Twenty-Nine Palms, California, as well as in Okinawa, Japan. After his time in the Marine Corp, he enlisted in the Army National Guard in November of 1995, where he was honorably discharged on April 6, 2012. In 2008, Colin was awarded the Bronze Star for exceptionally meritorious service in a combat zone with exposure to risk of hostile action during operation Iraqi freedom. Throughout his time in the U.S. military, he served in the Gulf War, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Hati, and Panama.
A lifelong athlete, he enjoyed wrestling, golf, and football. He also enjoyed hobbies such as assembling complex models, hunting, and card collecting.
Colin met the love of this life, Liz on January 22, 1993. They were married on November 4, 1999.
He is survived by his wife, Lizbet (Liz) Lerbakken; children, Alex, Elena, and Logan; siblings, Loren Lerbakken, Casper, WY, Brandon (Julie) Lerbakken, Katy, TX, Stacy (Jeremy) Jones, Fargo, ND, and Derek (Carissa) Lerbakken, Williston, ND; nephew, Jack Jones; nieces, Brooklyn, Camberly and Avalynn Lerbakken; mother-in-law, Mercedes of Las Vegas, NV, as well as other members of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel & Paulette Lerbakken; nephew, Caden; and sister-in-law, Sandra.
Colin will be remembered for the love and devotion he held for his family, as well as for the many friends he made throughout his amazing life. He will always be loved and remembered by those who knew him and will forever be a beacon of honor and bravery for his unyielding sacrifice and service to our country.
Services
Visitation - Thursday: December 12, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Funeral Service - Thursday: December 12, 2024 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Burial - Friday: December 13, 2024 11:00 am
Fargo National Cemetery
8709 40th Avenue North, Co Rd 20
Harwood, North Dakota 58042
(701) 451-4650
https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/fargo.asp
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Semper Fi my brother, until Valhalla.
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your friend my sweet friend.
Love ❤️ Liz G.
So sorry. Sending hugs and prayers to you all.
Love, Michelle
Sending hugs and prayers your way. So sorry you have to go through this.
Surrounding all the Lerbakken families with our love and prayers. So many Colin memories—he never quite forgave me for buying his Pete Rose card. His service for our country was a huge display of how big his heart was. We love you, God bless and provide you blessed peace. Bindes
Thinking of you, Liz and family!
Semper Fi brother… until Valhalla
What a privilege it has been to watch Colin grow from a scrappy little kid into a stand up young man serving our country, and then a Husband and father. We remember how kind and considerate he could be and how the mention of Liz and children would make him beam with pride. Know that all of you have blessed our lives and that we keep you in our hearts and prayers.
I’m so sorry to read this news. I got to know him during my time at the Osgood Golf Course.
Colin played in our annual Memorial Day Veterans Golf Tournament. He joined a team of fellow Marines. I hold a special place in my heart for Marines because the ones I know are so kind and thoughtful. Colin was one of those Marines.
When I moved in across the street from the Lerbakken family Colin came over and introduced himself and proceeded to make sure I pronounced his name correctly. I am so sorry I did not get the chance to get to know him but I do know they are the best neighbors I could ask for. My deepest confidences to all his family and those who knew him.
I met him in Iraq contracting, he was a great man and great friend.
Sincere condolences to Liz, Alex, Elena, Logan and Lerbakken family. Colin will be missed but not forgotten.
Rest easy Marine.
Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
I went to high school with Colin, and served in the National Guard with him for many years. He was a nice friend and will be missed. My condolences to his family.
My sympathy to the Lerbakken family.
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Liz and the Lerbakken family. I know this loss is hard to bear.
Myself and the entire Sysco family is here for you during this hard time.
You will be missed Colin🙏🏼 until we meet again 🙏🏼
Your friend,
Ryan “Shorty” Utterback
It was an honor to serve with Colin. My condolences to his family.
To my cousin Colin wish I would’ve gotten to know you better. You sound like a true American patriot thank you for your service and keeping us free.
When you get to heaven make sure look up my Dad he will show you where to get best Vets discounts.
Until we meet again
Your cousin
BJ Kessel or Ben what every you remember me as
A cousin I never got the chance to get to know except through Facebook.
However, John had the opportunity to serve with Colin and I to meet you through Family Support Group. Thank you for your service also.
If you need something that support is still here. ❤️
Our deepest sympathy to you. We are shocked and saddened. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.