1969
Erik
2018
Erik H. Floan
January 29, 1969 — May 30, 2018
ERIK HANS FLOAN was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on January 29, 1969, and was adopted by Hans and Connie Floan six weeks later. Erik paved the way for younger sister Ingrid, and younger brothers Einar and Obed.
Erik graduated from Fosston High School in 1987; St. Olaf College in 1991 (B.A. Church Music); and Notre Dame University in 1994 (M.A. Music - Organ Performance and Literature). He served as Director of Worship and Music for Gethsemane Lutheran in Seattle, WA; Holy Trinity Lutheran on Mercer Island, WA; and Cross of Christ Lutheran in Bellevue, WA. He moved to Winona, MN, in 2012, after accepting the position of Director of Worship, Music, and Arts at Central Lutheran Church. After a year of intentional candidacy, Erik made Final Oblation at St. John's Abbey (Benedictine) in February 2018.
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Erik started taking piano lessons the same year he started school, and he quickly excelled at this instrument. However, Erik's love of the organ was evident early, as he requested an organ teacher for his 10th birthday. Hans and Connie supported his interest by locating a teacher and then making the two-hour drive (one way!) each week for his lessons.
His interests were not limited to music, though. Erik was active in Boy Scouts, an avid Lego builder, a model train enthusiast, and a science fiction fan. Erik was fascinated by design and briefly considered pursuing a degree in architecture.
Two years in a row, around ages 9 and 10, Erik designed and built a robot costume for Halloween. The second time, there was a major snowstorm, requiring kids to wear their costumes over their snow gear. Much to Erik's delight, his costume easily accommodated this, and he was able to go trick-or-treating. Since most of the other kids in town weren't able to go out in the storm, Erik came home with quite a haul! Anyone aware of his love of sweets won't be surprised to hear that he did not share his stash.
+ + +
Though Erik was proud of his Norwegian upbringing, he developed a deep appreciation for and love of Asian culture. His musical talents led him to take a trip to several Asian countries, including Singapore, Japan, and Thailand. While there, he shared his gift of music through organ recitals. Erik celebrated his and others' accomplishments with sushi, a cuisine he encouraged everyone to experience.
Curious and culturally adventurous, Erik enjoyed traveling to new places and seeking local flavor. He regularly traveled to Hawaii, often spending a week there before the busy church season of Advent or following Easter. Other travel highlights include Italy, Greece, China, Hong Kong, New York City, San Diego, Vancouver, and Alaska. Erik shared his love of travel through articles for a variety of travel publications.
+ + +
Erik had a dry sense of humor and mischievous spirit, which led to natural connections with children and youth. As an uncle, he would get down on the floor to play or read whenever he spent time with his nieces or nephews. He also enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews out for treats, like coffee or ice cream. Erik's birth family found him in August, 2011, and he developed close relationships with them, especially his nephews and niece.
He pursued opportunities to connect with kids, whether through his work at churches or as an accompanist with the local high school choir. In April of 2018, Erik commented that "It helps fortify my soul to be with these kids. Like nothing else." He recently discovered a love for teaching Confirmation classes to middle school students, and he was in the process of pursuing further education at Luther Seminary in the field of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at the time of his death.
+ + +
Few things made Erik happier than bringing his grand ideas to fruition, letting no detail escape his attention. He orchestrated an annual Easter Vigil that concluded with a festive reception featuring live jazz. Erik delighted in planning Hymn Festivals, inspired by the Festivals of legendary organists Paul Manz and David Cherwein. He developed Artist Series at the churches where he served, showcasing a wide variety of arts organizations and individuals. At Central Lutheran, he hosted a yearly organ recital that featuring many talented organists.
Erik was a member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM), the American Guild of Organists (AGO), the Walker Art Center, the Bach Society, and the Winona Historical Society. At an ALCM conference in Milwaukee, Erik led a session titled "Little Drummer Boy Meets Clueless Organist," which explored how a traditional church organist could learn to embrace praise music. Erik had been a contributor to numerous liturgical planning resources produced by the Lutheran publisher Augsburg Fortress. In the spring of 2018, Erik was one of 24 Winona-area residents selected to participate in the Blandin Community Leadership Program retreat, which develops and trains local leaders to build healthy communities.
Erik died unexpectedly at his home in Winona on Wednesday, May 30.
Erik is survived by his mom, Connie of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin; sister Ingrid and husband Michael Erickson, niece Disa, of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; brother Einar and wife Amy, nephew Oscar and niece Kajsa, of Evansville, Wisconsin; brother Obed and wife Megan of Forest Lake, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his father, Hans.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to one of the organizations below.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSICIANS
The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church's song. ALCM is a strong and successful service and professional organization, dedicated to the cause of strengthening the ministry of music in the Lutheran Church.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSICIANS
810 FREEMAN STREET
VALPARAISO, IN 46383
ALCM.ORG
LUTHER SEMINARY - CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILY MINISTRY MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM
The Children, Youth and Family (CYF) Ministry concentration provides students with academic courses, community discipleship, and ministry experience that leaves students powerfully equipped to nurture and strengthen the faith of young people and their families with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
LUTHER SEMINARY
2481 COMO AVENUE
SAINT PAUL, MN 55108
LUTHERSEM.EDU
AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS - NEW ORGANIST FUND
The American Guild of Organists (AGO) strives to engage, support, and uplift every organist. The AGO fosters a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS - NEW ORGANIST FUND
475 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, SUITE 1260
NEW YORK, NY 10115
AGOHQ.ORG
Erik graduated from Fosston High School in 1987; St. Olaf College in 1991 (B.A. Church Music); and Notre Dame University in 1994 (M.A. Music - Organ Performance and Literature). He served as Director of Worship and Music for Gethsemane Lutheran in Seattle, WA; Holy Trinity Lutheran on Mercer Island, WA; and Cross of Christ Lutheran in Bellevue, WA. He moved to Winona, MN, in 2012, after accepting the position of Director of Worship, Music, and Arts at Central Lutheran Church. After a year of intentional candidacy, Erik made Final Oblation at St. John's Abbey (Benedictine) in February 2018.
+ + +
Erik started taking piano lessons the same year he started school, and he quickly excelled at this instrument. However, Erik's love of the organ was evident early, as he requested an organ teacher for his 10th birthday. Hans and Connie supported his interest by locating a teacher and then making the two-hour drive (one way!) each week for his lessons.
His interests were not limited to music, though. Erik was active in Boy Scouts, an avid Lego builder, a model train enthusiast, and a science fiction fan. Erik was fascinated by design and briefly considered pursuing a degree in architecture.
Two years in a row, around ages 9 and 10, Erik designed and built a robot costume for Halloween. The second time, there was a major snowstorm, requiring kids to wear their costumes over their snow gear. Much to Erik's delight, his costume easily accommodated this, and he was able to go trick-or-treating. Since most of the other kids in town weren't able to go out in the storm, Erik came home with quite a haul! Anyone aware of his love of sweets won't be surprised to hear that he did not share his stash.
+ + +
Though Erik was proud of his Norwegian upbringing, he developed a deep appreciation for and love of Asian culture. His musical talents led him to take a trip to several Asian countries, including Singapore, Japan, and Thailand. While there, he shared his gift of music through organ recitals. Erik celebrated his and others' accomplishments with sushi, a cuisine he encouraged everyone to experience.
Curious and culturally adventurous, Erik enjoyed traveling to new places and seeking local flavor. He regularly traveled to Hawaii, often spending a week there before the busy church season of Advent or following Easter. Other travel highlights include Italy, Greece, China, Hong Kong, New York City, San Diego, Vancouver, and Alaska. Erik shared his love of travel through articles for a variety of travel publications.
+ + +
Erik had a dry sense of humor and mischievous spirit, which led to natural connections with children and youth. As an uncle, he would get down on the floor to play or read whenever he spent time with his nieces or nephews. He also enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews out for treats, like coffee or ice cream. Erik's birth family found him in August, 2011, and he developed close relationships with them, especially his nephews and niece.
He pursued opportunities to connect with kids, whether through his work at churches or as an accompanist with the local high school choir. In April of 2018, Erik commented that "It helps fortify my soul to be with these kids. Like nothing else." He recently discovered a love for teaching Confirmation classes to middle school students, and he was in the process of pursuing further education at Luther Seminary in the field of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at the time of his death.
+ + +
Few things made Erik happier than bringing his grand ideas to fruition, letting no detail escape his attention. He orchestrated an annual Easter Vigil that concluded with a festive reception featuring live jazz. Erik delighted in planning Hymn Festivals, inspired by the Festivals of legendary organists Paul Manz and David Cherwein. He developed Artist Series at the churches where he served, showcasing a wide variety of arts organizations and individuals. At Central Lutheran, he hosted a yearly organ recital that featuring many talented organists.
Erik was a member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM), the American Guild of Organists (AGO), the Walker Art Center, the Bach Society, and the Winona Historical Society. At an ALCM conference in Milwaukee, Erik led a session titled "Little Drummer Boy Meets Clueless Organist," which explored how a traditional church organist could learn to embrace praise music. Erik had been a contributor to numerous liturgical planning resources produced by the Lutheran publisher Augsburg Fortress. In the spring of 2018, Erik was one of 24 Winona-area residents selected to participate in the Blandin Community Leadership Program retreat, which develops and trains local leaders to build healthy communities.
Erik died unexpectedly at his home in Winona on Wednesday, May 30.
Erik is survived by his mom, Connie of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin; sister Ingrid and husband Michael Erickson, niece Disa, of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; brother Einar and wife Amy, nephew Oscar and niece Kajsa, of Evansville, Wisconsin; brother Obed and wife Megan of Forest Lake, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his father, Hans.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to one of the organizations below.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSICIANS
The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church's song. ALCM is a strong and successful service and professional organization, dedicated to the cause of strengthening the ministry of music in the Lutheran Church.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND - ASSOCIATION OF LUTHERAN CHURCH MUSICIANS
810 FREEMAN STREET
VALPARAISO, IN 46383
ALCM.ORG
LUTHER SEMINARY - CHILDREN, YOUTH, & FAMILY MINISTRY MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM
The Children, Youth and Family (CYF) Ministry concentration provides students with academic courses, community discipleship, and ministry experience that leaves students powerfully equipped to nurture and strengthen the faith of young people and their families with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
LUTHER SEMINARY
2481 COMO AVENUE
SAINT PAUL, MN 55108
LUTHERSEM.EDU
AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS - NEW ORGANIST FUND
The American Guild of Organists (AGO) strives to engage, support, and uplift every organist. The AGO fosters a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ.
AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS - NEW ORGANIST FUND
475 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, SUITE 1260
NEW YORK, NY 10115
AGOHQ.ORG
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