Eric James Lilya, born December 27, 1978, in Virginia, Minnesota, died unexpectedly on April 19, 2026. He was 47 years old. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, May 9, 2026, at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Following the service there will be a potluck lunch at Susan and Fred Precht's home in Soudan.

Eric grew up in Tower and attended school there. After he completed junior high, he transferred to Virginia High School. Shortly after his high school graduation in 1997, he moved to the Cities, attended Music Tech in Minneapolis, and received his Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Music.

Eric's passion for music started when he was a very young boy. He began piano lessons in early grade school and continued lessons throughout his high school years. He enjoyed classical, jazz, blues, swing, hard rock, and reggae music. Eric was a gifted and extremely talented musician. Eric was able to perform with the bands "The Dank" and "Dread I Dread" in the Metro area. He also performed piano in social settings including churches and community concerts. Eric was also an inspiring teacher of music giving piano and guitar lessons to people of all ages. Eric was charismatic, intelligent and had wonderful sense of humor. He also had an impressive etiquette that made him a very productive and popular waiter while working at restaurants in Minnesota.

Eric spent his free time composing music and writing lyrics, walking and hunting on the farm and spending time with his family and friends.

Eric is survived by his mother, Susan (Fred) Trucano Precht of Soudan; his brother, Timothy (Miranda) Lilya of Orr; and his sister, Elina (Brian) Trancheff of Lake Vermilion. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Kristen (Corey Kolkin), Timothy and Angeline Lilya, and Ella, Millie, and Noelle Trancheff, as well as great-nephews, Asher and Andrew Kolkin, his aunts and uncles: Char (Gary) West, Gladys Parente, Charles (Dagney) Trucano, James Trucano, Michael Trucano, Katy (Frank, Jr.) Popesh, Debra Trucano, and Juanita Gibbon.

He leaves behind many cousins and friends, as well as close friends Jake Lilya and Morgan Edwards.

Eric was preceded in death by his father Lee Roy Lilya, Paternal Grandmother Gail Newkumet, Maternal Grandparents Charles and Mildred Trucano, Great-Paternal Grand Parents Ed and Jean Lilya, uncles Lee E (Marilyn) Lilya, Uncle Robert Trucano, and Godparents his great uncle and aunt, Jessie and Mable Winters.

Eric will be deeply missed by his family. May God bless you, our precious Eggy.