Erick James Van Pelt, 49, of Watertown, passed away on Oct. 16, 2019.

Visitation and funeral services were held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. There was a Celebration of Life Service honoring Erick on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Hope for Life Community Church in Watertown. Reverend Dr. Carl Van Voorst presided at both services.

Erick was born in Mitchell at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Jan. 7, 1970 to Clifford “Karl” and Gertrude “Gertie” (Welchert) Van Pelt. Erick grew up in the Fedora/Artesian area and graduated from Artesian High School in 1988. He attended the University of South Dakota and majored in psychology. Following college, he moved to Wall and worked at the Cactus Café and Lounge. Erick then moved to Oelwein, Iowa, and worked with his brother, Nick, at XL Specialized Trailers until 2008. From Oelwein, Erick moved to Watertown and worked as the head of maintenance at McDonald’s for many years.

Three of Erick’s greatest joys in life included the great outdoors, his love of all people and his never-ending faith.

Erick is survived by his sisters Kariena (Wyatt) Eaglefeather of Bridgewater, Karyla Dahl of Spearfish, Kathy (Dave) Halter of Brandon, Krissy (Donald) Van Pelt Smith of Jupiter, Fla., Kalicia (Chris) Hoffman of Erie, Ill.; brothers, Tim (Linda) Van Pelt of Mitchell, Jeff (Deb) Van Pelt of Tripp, Brad Van Pelt of Fedora, Toby (Lori) Van Pelt of Sioux Falls, and Barron Van Pelt of Gillette, Wyo.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Gertie Van Pelt; brother, Nicholas Todd Van Pelt; and nephew, Thomas Karl Van Pelt.