Erik Daniel Poulsen Sr.

Erik Daniel Poulsen Sr, 30, of Garner, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Born on July 29, 1985 in New Jersey; he was a graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School, playing both lacrosse and football. Erik was currently working at UPS and had previously been with AT&T. Erik married his beloved wife, Nora, on October 3, 2015. Nora, and Erik's 2 children, Erik Daniel Poulsen Jr. and Hannah Grace Poulsen were the light of his life. He was the loved son of Kathleen Poulsen, and cherished brother of Seanna Morgan and Samantha Poulsen.

Erik was happiest playing with his "best bud", Daniel, and his angel, Hannah (who he also playful referred to as "smelly face Hannah Grace" and she laughingly would call him "smelly face daddy Grace") , with Nora at their side. His family meant everything to him. He loved watching Duke games with Daniel and was so excited when he got to take him to his first Duke football and basketball games this season. Erik and Daniel loved Star Wars, building Legos, and having Nerf gun battles. Hannah was truly Erik's angel. He loved to snuggle with her, she was his little helper in the kitchen, and he would even listen to Taylor Swift songs repeatedly in the car with her.

As newlyweds, Erik and Nora had just begun their life together. He called Nora his "blue bird" in reference to one of his favorite songs. That song quickly became their song and they danced to it at their wedding. That was one of the happiest days of their lives. Nora will miss his dry humor, coming home to him cooking one of his amazing meals, his love for his children and the love he showed her so freely everyday. He is hers and she is his.

Erik grew up in Raleigh, in the Catholic faith with Franciscan philosophies, and his appreciation for the miracles of creation and the beauty of the world around him were rooted in his love for God. His humor, sensitivity, broad shoulders-- always ready to lean on, are lost, and there is a gaping wound in us.

Erik had a large extended family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins; many happy summers and holidays were spent together with them. They included Laura Poulsen of Maryland, Pat and Carey Rowland of Boone, Mike and Lisa Flanigan of Boone, Ellen and Mike Donovant of Reidsville, Lori Flores of Greensboro, Chris and Barbara Flanigan of South Carolina, his Godfather, Rich and Saliima Flanigan of Charlotte, his Godmother, Gail and Charlie Walker of Charlotte, and Juli and John Morrison of Charlotte. Nora's family were a delight in his life: his father and mother in law, Danny and Priscilla Bolick of Wake Forest, Nora's brother, David Bolick of Rolesville, and her sister, Suzanne Pengelly of Atlanta.

Family will receive friends on Thursday from 10-11:30a.m. at Mitchell Funeral Home (7209 Glenwood Ave), with a Memorial Service to begin at 11:30a.m. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. In honor of Erik, Duke blue attire is welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are preferred for his children's future education in care of Nora Poulsen.