Erik Bellanger, 37, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, November 17, 2010 in Thief River Falls, MN.

Erik Von Bellanger was born October 13, 1973, in Mahnomen, MN, to Delos and Elisa Bellanger. He attended grade school in Fertile, MN and participated in wrestling and football (1990-91 State Champion) at the Mahnomen High School, where he graduated in 1992.

Erik was enrolled at the North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton for auto mechanics from 1992-93. He returned to Mahnomen and worked as a slot technician at the Shooting Star Casino. In 1993, Erik began work in the construction trades. In 1999, began his masonry construction apprenticeship through membership in the International Bricklayer's Union and continued in this field of construction until his untimely death.

Erik was an enrolled tribal member of White Earth, a member of St. Joseph's Church, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved being outdoors and participated in many seasonal activities such as harvesting maple syrup and wild rice, leeching, fishing, and hunting.

Erik is survived by his mother, Elisa Bellanger of Mahnomen; brothers: Stephen (Terri) Gish of Hudson, WI, Del (Tammy) Bellanger of Mahnomen, Frank Bellanger of Mahnomen; sister, Shawn Bellanger of Milwaukee, WI; his children: Erika Bellanger of Naytahwaush, MN, Furious Bellanger of White Earth, MN, Phoenix and Danika McDougall, both of Callaway, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delos; paternal grandparents, Frank and Grace Bellanger; maternal grandparents Francisco Hernandez and Rafaela Smith; and uncle, Donald "Duckhead" Bellanger.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 23 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Rosary at 6:30pm, at the Anderson~ Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.