Erik Haldorsen

Erik Haldorsen, age 81, passed away on October 16, 2021, at Heartland Nursing Center in Casey, Illinois surrounded by family. Born in Bergen, Norway in 1940, he was the son of Karl and Evelyn (Åsen) Haldorsen. He completed school and joined the Norwegian navy as a deep-sea diver and instructor. After completing his compulsory service in the navy, he became a bricklayer. Erik immigrated to the United States in 1963 to seek fame and fortune as a bricklayer. He laid brick and block for numerous companies across the Midwest and owned his own masonry company in the Chicago area for a number of years.

Erik loved horses from a young age. He and his twin brother Knut owned and raced several horses, including the fastest horse in Norway, Hector. Erik always enjoyed entertaining people. He was known as the Singing Norwegian Bricklayer. He had a song for everything and found great joy in singing karaoke and he loved sharing this talent at local senior centers.

Erik will be remembered for his quick wit and levity, always trying to make people laugh. He was also willing to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his sons, Nils (Teresa) Haldorsen of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and Kurt (Marsha) Haldorsen of Mattoon, Illinois and his grandchildren Anders (Tori Gawlinski), Maisen, Houstis, Callan, Berit and Jorun. He is also survived by his twin brother Knut (Janice) Haldorsen and their son Karl of Scottsdale, Arizona and sister Berit (Reidar) Olsen and her daughters Helene and Therese of Norway. Surviving him also is his close friend Barbara Brown of Greenup, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will have a private memorial following cremation to celebrate his life. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup, IL is assisting the family.

The family of Erik Haldorsen wishes to extend our sincerest appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System, Heartland Nursing Center, and our church families and friends. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com

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