Eric Barnick, 44, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

A memorial service will be 11:00, Thursday, June 25 at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 E Ave C, Bismarck. Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held following the service at the church. To view the service livestream, click the link provided: Eric.

A burial service will follow the luncheon at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.  

Eric was born on April 11, 1982, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Frank and Renae(Dallman) Barnick on there first wedding anniversary, he always knew how to make an entrance.

From an early age, Eric's life revolved around family, friends, and sports. He deeply admired his father, Frank, and often said he hoped to become more like him—especially his ability to laugh at his own jokes. From his mother, Renae, Eric inherited a kind and caring heart. He believed she was one of the kindest people he had ever known, and that same compassion became one of his defining qualities. Eric shared a special bond with his younger sister, Sheena. While he never missed an opportunity to tease her, he was also fiercely protective of her. He loved his niece, Kennedy, and his nephew and godson, Kingston, beyond measure and spoke proudly of them every chance he had.

Growing up, Eric was passionate about athletics. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football, and later continued his love of competition through softball and volleyball. He played catcher for the Bismarck Governors American Legion baseball team and graduated from Bismarck High School in 2000. He then attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he continued playing baseball while building lifelong friendships during his two years there.

After college, Eric returned to Bismarck and began his career with Denny & Sons as a painter. He later worked as a manager for Journeys Shoe Store, overseeing stores across three states. Eventually, he found his calling in the plumbing industry, working as a commercial plumber for H.A. Thompson & Sons before finishing his career with Advanced Mechanical.

Eric was a devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, proudly cheering for the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. One of his favorite memories was traveling to Pittsburgh to watch the Steelers take on the Ravens and to attend a Pirates doubleheader.

Eric loved spending time with family and friends, whether it was on the softball field, around a campfire, or simply sharing a laugh. He spent many years playing softball alongside some of his closest friends and celebrated winning the McQuade Softball Tournament. Camping trips often turned into spirited competitions of washers, cornhole, and just about anything else, as Eric's competitive nature was always on display.

Eric had a heart for animals, especially his guinea pig, Chuck, who quickly became much more than a pet. Chuck was a constant companion and a source of plenty of smiles, and anyone who knew Eric knew just how much he loved him

He also had a gift for making people laugh by quoting lines from his favorite movies, often at just the right moment. Music was another passion of his, and he especially loved classic rock. Artists like Bob Seger and Journey were always among his favorites, and “Oh Sherrie” by Steve Perry was a song he never seemed to get tired of. Whenever one of his favorite songs came on, Eric wasn’t shy about lighting up the dance floor—singing at the top of his lungs while showing off his signature air guitar and air saxophone moves. Those moments brought smiles and laughter to everyone around him.

In recent years, Eric especially enjoyed spending time at Jack's Steakhouse, where he affectionately referred to the staff and regulars as his "Jack's family."

Eric will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering loyalty, quick wit, competitive spirit, and the genuine love he showed to everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though his time with us was far too short, the laughter, kindness, and countless memories he gave us will remain in our hearts forever.

Eric is survived by his loving parents, Frank and Renae Barnick of Bismarck; his sister, Sheena (Lucus) Shelquist of Bismarck; his beloved niece, Kennedy Shelquist; his nephew and godson, Kingston Shelquist; his grandfather, Franklin Sr. (Connie) Barnick of Steele; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Luella Barnick; and his maternal grandparents, Eldon and Agnes Dallman.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our family and friends for the overwhelming love, prayers, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses, and staff of the CHI St. Alexius Intensive Care Unit for the compassionate care they provided to Eric and our family.