Erick Verner Rhen, 32

Erick Verner Rhen, 32, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with the Funeral Service to celebrate Erick’s life at 3:30 PM with Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating. 

Erick was born to Shawn and Georgia (Langowski) Rhen on June 2, 1992, in Grand Forks, ND. His entire childhood was spent in Thief River Falls, and he graduated from Lincoln High School in 2010. Erick went on to get his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from North Dakota State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2016. His career began at CybertrolEngineering in Plymouth, MN where he worked as a Project Engineer for two years before moving back to Thief River Falls in 2018 to join DigiKey Electronics as a Software Engineer.

Throughout his childhood Erick played many sports including wrestling, basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. As a teen, he discovered Tae Kwon Do and over the next few years earned his Black Belt. Erick also obtained the rank of Eagle Scout, and his project is still used every year at the Pennington County Fair. Erick was most defined by his musical talent. He was able to play many instruments, but his true passion was the viola. He was part of the Minnesota All-State Orchestra throughout high school and had the opportunity to perform with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the age of 17.  

As an adult Erick continued nurturing his musical abilities and was most recently learning to play classical guitar. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing video games and keeping up to date on all of the latest technology. He was an avid reader and researcher and was well-versed in a variety of topics.

Erick is survived by his mother, Georgia (Scott) Udby of Lankin, ND and his father, Shawn (Lisa) Rhen of Bagley, MN, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents:  Joseph and Emeline Langowski of Grafton, ND, and Merlyn and Nora Rhen of East Grand Forks.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com