Rapid City - Eric H. Spell, 44, Rapid City, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at the Rapid City Regional Hospice Auxiliary House Eric H. Spell died peacefully and honorably surrounded by his wife, children, parents and his friends on December 4, 2013 at the Hospice house. He was 44. Eric was born on December 20, 1968 in Cheyenne WY, but grew up in Rapid City, SD. He graduated from St. Martins Academy in 1987. His younger brother Kirk and Eric were a classic duo of mischief by throwing water balloons or snowballs at police cars, sneaking in the Rushmore Watersides in the winter to ski down the "Bonzai" slide, and jumping off roofs into snowbanks along with his childhood friend Matt Bown . In his 20's, Eric will meet his lifelong best friends; Terry Blecha, Scott Tipton, Josh Rensch, Marc Summers, Rob Minick and then later on Josh Brown and Andrew Roper. Eric loved having his buddies under one roof eating his famous fire burning, finger licking good chili, drinking way too much soda, and playing strategic board games to which Eric usually ends up winning but if he was losing, he made sure his friend Terry lost too. In 2001, Eric met Karrie, his red headed beauty. Since Eric was a bit on the shy side, Karrie actually asked Eric out on a date. Two years pass, and on September 20th 2003 they were married and spent the next 10 years welcoming 2 beautiful children Alexander and Elizabeth into the world. Eric adored his children. He taught them honesty, integrity, respect and honor. To always move forward, to not get comfortable and to push to be their best. Even though his time with them was short, the memories his children will have of their daddy will last a life time. In 2011, Eric was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. He fought with all his strength and all his heart to have just one more day with his family and loved ones. In the end, it was Eric that won the battle and is now on his new journey at his forever home in Heaven along with his mother-in-law DeeAnn Ohlsen and a special little girl Gracie Blecha. Eric was a wonderful son, brother, husband, daddy and friend. He will be missed. Survivors include his wife: Karrie Spell of Rapid City; one son: Alexander at home; one daughter: Elizabeth at home; parents: Shirley Spell of Rapid City and James and Jaynie Spell of Sheridan, WY; one brother: Kirk Spell of Rapid City; three step-sisters: Julie Leigh Wieseler of Bozeman, MT, Karen [Addison] Wieseler Stone of Seattle, WA and Jennifer Talbot of Boulder, CO; and father in law: John Ohlsen of Piedmont, SD. Eric was preceded in death by his mother-in-law: DeeAnn Ohlsen. Memorial Services will be 10:00 am Monday, December 9, 2013 at Fountain Springs Community Church, 2100 North Plaza Drive with Rev. Don Williams officiating. Memorial donations may be directed towards Eric's two children, Alexander and Elizabeth, for the family to establish an education fund. Arrangements are with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, Rapid City. On online guestbook for Eric may be signed at www.osheimschmidt.com