Erik Lars Lindseth

Erik Lars Lindseth was born on August 13, 1961 in Syracuse, NY to Marilyn and Richard Lindseth, but his deepest roots were in Indiana where he grew up. Erik graduated from North Central High School in 1978 and was an active Eagle Scout. He graduated from Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana in 1983 with a major in History, and as a brother of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He earned his PhD in Scottish History from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in 1992.

Erik returned to Indianapolis and obtained his Masters Degree in Library Science at IUPUI in 1999. He later became an IUPUI Senior Lecturer in History as well as Adjunct Faculty in the IUPUI School of Library and Information Science. Erik was named Outstanding Lecturer in 2005-06, Outstanding Academic Advisor in 2007, and was granted the IUPUI Trustees Teaching Award in both 2007 and 2009.

Erik is preceded in death by his mother Marilyn and former wife Bethany Lindseth(Root). He is survived by his father Richard, sister Ellen, nephew Trevor Andersen, and niece Danica Wittman (Andersen).

When Erik wasn’t teaching or grading papers he was very active throughout Indianapolis. He was the Vice President of the National Library Bindery Co. of Indiana, one of the few book binderies left in the Midwest, and a Board Director member of Friends of Lilly Library since 2008. He could be found at a few of his favorite spots including Lost Dutchman Coins, the Indianapolis Symphony, Butler Univ. Ballet, Convivio, Iozzo’s, and the Columbia Club where he was a Foundation Trustee as well as art curator and historian.

To say that Erik was a history buff, is an understatement; he made it his personal mission to understand the history behind everything that passed through his fingertips, from books, to wine, to coins, to paintings, to name a few of his most passionate hobbies. But he knew that knowledge is not equivalent to understanding. Erik saw the small, unique strings of history that tied us together in one way or another. He celebrated these intersections of history with any and every one who would join. He loved many and was beloved by more. Erik would greet you with a firm handshake and always left with a hardy “Cheers!”

Lars passed peacefully in the early morning of November 1st 2019, surrounded by family and with love in his heart.

“Slow down, you move too fast

You got to make the morning last

Just kicking down the cobblestones

Looking for fun and feeling groovy

Hello lamppost, what'cha knowing

I've come to watch your flowers growin'

Ain't you got no rhymes for me?

Doo-ait-n-doo-doo, feeling groovy

I got no deeds to do, no promises to keep

I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep

Let the morningtime drop all its petals on me

Life, I love you, all is groovy.”

Paul & Garfunkel

59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)

Memorial Service will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, Indianapolis, IN on Nov. 30, 2019 at 6 p.m. Condolences from 4-6 p.m. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com