Eric John Snortland, 50 passed away on September 26, 2024, in Kalispell, MT.
Eric was born to Gary Gene Snortland and Irene Magdelene (Yesel) Snortland on December 3, 1973
in Roundup, Montana.
Eric graduated from Roundup High School in 1992. Before graduating, Eric joined the U.S. Army
Reserves and completed basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri during the summer between
his junior and senior year of High School. He later joined the U. S. Army and retired at the rank of
Sergeant First Class after nearly 21 years of active service. During his service, he was stationed on
several bases in the U.S., was stationed overseas in Germany and Korea, and completed multiple
combat tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Eric was awarded the Bronze Star for action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Eric’s other service awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3),
Army Achievement Medal (6), Army Good Conduct Medal (5), National Defense Service Medal (2),
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Defense
Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional
Development Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon (2). Additionally,
Eric earned the Parachutist Badge (Air Born), Air Assault Badge, and the German Armed Forces
Parachutist Badge Silver.
Eric loved playing baseball as a youth and was an excellent pitcher and fielder. He started playing
baseball in Roundup Little League and finished up his playing days in the Roundup Babe Ruth
League. He was a key member of the Roundup squad that won the 1987 and 1989 Babe Ruth Bear
Tooth District Baseball Championship. In High School, he made football his sport of choice and
was recognized his Junior year as a District Honorable Mention Defensive Back. He also was a Star
athlete on the High School Track and Field team winning many first-place ribbons in the 1600-meter
and 3200-meter races. He was also a dedicated weightlifter and enjoyed lifting weights with his
older brother Michael.
Eric was passionate about spending time outdoors and joking with and teasing his close friends,
and his many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters.
While Eric was in the Army Reserves, he worked for his father on the oil rigs, and upon retirement
from the Army, he had worked a variety of odd jobs including some time working at the Post Office.
Eric was an avid football fan, and he was a lifelong supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers with the
Seattle Seahawks becoming his second favorite team to cheer on. Eric also was a huge Atlanta
Braves fan especially when they won the World Series.
Eric will be remembered for his love for tractors, playing in dad’s boat, his quiet soul, his humorous
personality, and his good helping heart. He had a fun spirit his family and friends thoroughly
enjoyed, and on many occasions, he was known to show up without notification on any one of his
sibling’s doors steps so he could see the surprise on their faces.
Eric is preceded in death by his father, his brother David, and his brother Michael.
Eric is survived by his partner Ashley Brandenburg of Kalispell Montana, his mother, his sisters
Paulette (Danny) Ramsey, Diane Bragg, Shirley (Steve) Swanson, and Jennifer Snortland, all of
Roundup Montana, his sister Kathleen (Matt) Whetzel of Arlee Montana, his sister Julie (Dale) Diegel
of Sunburst Montana, his sister Sandra Cordingly and Dira Morgan of Covington Tennessee, his
brother Mark (Cynthia) Snortland of Wildomar California, his brother Jayson (Karen) Snortland of
Thornton Colorado and his many nephews and nieces.
Funeral services are pending in Roundup, Montana
To plant a tree in memory of Eric John Snortland, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Service
8
Oct
503 Main Street
Roundup, MT 59072
Graveside
8
Oct
17059 US Highway 12 East
Roundup, MT 59072
Cemetery Details
Location
17059 US Highway 12 East
Roundup, MT 59072