Erik Michael Priley

Erik Michael Priley, 35, of Duluth passed away January 10, 2026 surrounded by his loving family after a short and very hard fought battle with cancer.

He was born on February 1, 1990 in Duluth to Tracy and Jerry Priley, the youngest of three boys, brother to Anders and Peter Priley.

Erik graduated from East High School in 2008. He soon met Chelsie and they created a life together filled with love, fun memories, road trips exploring new areas and caring for their beloved dogs.

He started working for Kolar while in high school as a car washer and quickly worked his way up to becoming a key member of the sales team, then advancing to manager of Kolar Hyundai by age 23. After over 15 years of service at Kolar, he most recently worked as the Sales Manager of Kolar Chevrolet. Erik loved people, meeting new customers and helping them to find the perfect vehicle–whether at the dealership or attending used car auctions to track down hidden gems.

“Priley” was pure fun and a friend to all, and many, his entire life. In high school the entryway to his house was stacked with dozens of shoes from friends who filled his basement every weekend. These friendships continued and extended to annual Brainerd golf trips with childhood friends to winning big in Vegas on multiple occasions.

Erik loved golf. In the summer you could always find him at Ridgeview Country Club where he started in the bag room while in high school. Always an entrepreneur even at a young age, he and his coworkers came up with the idea to start a taxi service to ensure golfers, and their cars, made it home safely each night. His deep love of golf only continued and developed into continually trying to advance his game while enjoying the camaraderie he found as a member of Ridgeview.

Again, Erik continuously brought the fun. He was known to track down jet skis for family vacations in Canada that made a fishing trip way more exciting and memorable. As the fun uncle, Erik was a kid at heart. He always arrived with the best toys, loved backyard sledding, flinging his nieces and nephews into pools, setting up outdoor movies and creating a very memorable “Grinch” surprise visit last Christmas.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Tracy Priley.

Erik is survived by his loving partner of 13 years, Chelsie Evers, father Jerry Priley (Debbie Farnham), brothers Anders (Tiffini) and Peter (Francesca). Nieces and nephews Beatrice and Elliott Priley, Atti and Hakon Zucchi. Cousins Marit (Adam) Zucchi, Amy (Rich) Kastner, Allison Lillegard, Kim Sigler. Aunts Cindy (Dan) Lillegaard and Sue Forsthofel.

Visitation 5 to 7 pm Friday, January 16, 2026 at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home and will continue from 10 am until the 11 am funeral service Saturday at Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church. 2501 Woodland Ave. Pastor Jeff Davis officiating. Burial next to his mother in Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. 218-624-1059.