Erik Shawn Möllberg

Erik Shawn Möllberg, 57, of Columbia City, IN passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan, MI 49107. Friends may visit with the family from 10-12 on Friday at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Allen County Public Library Radio Station WELT 95.7. Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.swemchapel.com Erik was born on September 10, 1959 in Niles, MI to Lené and Patricia Mollberg. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1978 and Western Michigan University in 1982. Erik moved to Fort Wayne and began working at the Access TV Station where he currently worked. Over his lifetime he was involved with many groups. Erik wrote and acted in “Beyond Our Control”, a local TV show, in the 70’s. He was active on the boards of the Alliance for Community Media, both nationally and in the Central States region. He shared his love of music and playing the guitar with many musicians, including the local act, The Rockefeller 4 and was known and loved at the open mic nights held at Toast & Jam at the Munchie Emporium. Erik was a jury member and participant in the “International Festival of Local Televisions in Kosice, Slovakia and participated in the Organization of Local Televisions in the Netherlands. He spent his life standing for freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Erik created and produced documentaries, helped others create TV shows and eventually created WELT-FM 95.7 Radio. He loved empowering people and encouraged people to find their voice. Erik worked tirelessly in Washington, D.C. to keep Access TV Stations alive across the country. He was full of life and compassion. Erik was respectful to everyone, he was a friend and mentor to all who knew him. Erik was a musician, a traveler, a student and a teacher. He enjoyed hiking, scuba diving and exploring. Erik was a hard worker and good friend to all. He lived life optimistically and led by example. He never took himself too seriously and he lived unapologetically true to himself. Erik loved to play music, spending time with his dog, Tucker and a long drive on his motorcycle; when the weather was just right. Erik is survived by his wife; Laura Hanlin of Columbia City, IN; mother, Pat Mollberg; brother, Lené (Jennifer) Möllberg; sister, Marjie Mollberg who all live in Buchanan. Father, Lené (Sandy) Mollberg of Florida; and stepchildren, Lindsey, David and Brendan Leech. Erik was especially fond of his niece and nephew Britta and Brady Mollberg.