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   Eric “E” Joseph Ford, age 59, of Remer, MN, passed away Monday, July 8, 2024 at Grand Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids, MN after a courageous battle with cancer.

   Eric was born December 16, 1964 to Marvin Darrell and Dianne Elizabeth (Altmyer) Ford in Kankakee, IL at Saint Mary’s Hospital. He married Gail D. Batdorf on December 14, 2002 in Remer, MN. 

   He worked several jobs until he moved to Remer and worked for the Mill for 17 years. He then went to Scheff Logging in Marcel, MN and worked there for nine years. He enjoyed working as their equipment mechanic. They treated him like family. Eric enjoyed camping, ATVing, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved and enjoyed his special little girl, Skylar and little man, Conner Emerson who called him “Uncle”. Uncle enjoyed spoiling them. Eric was always referred to as being “built FORD tough!”

   Eric is preceded in death by his father; nephew, David; grandparents; sister, Penny; and father-in-law, Roger Batdorf.

   He is survived by his wife, Gail; mother, Dianne Ford; siblings, Marvin Jr. (Cyndi) Ford of Michigan, Lisa (Brian) Rhyti of Nashwauk, Missy (Calvin) Durant of Keewatin, Matt (Stephanie) Ford of Kansas, Billie (John) Busha of Keewatin; nieces and nephews, Bryce, Addison, Zach, Lily, Everett, Kyle, Mitchel, James, Tim, B.J., Brittany, Katie, Allison, Rachel, Brian, Craig, Mikey, and Adam; mother-in-law, Gladys Batdorf; and sisters-in-law, Pam Hooper, and Kerri (Mike) Bunker.

   A special thanks to Chris and Heather Emerson, as well as other family and friends who were always there to help Eric and Gail.

   A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

   Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

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