Obituary of Christopher Russell Erbes, Ph.D

Erbes, Christopher Russell, Ph.D. 49, of Burnsville, MN. Died on May 30th, 2021. Chris is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lisa Adriane Catron Erbes (48), and two daughters, Erin Margaret Reece Erbes (19) and Maia Caitlin Erbes (17). He is also survived by his parents Russell Edward Erbes and Margaret (Peggy) Demos Erbes Chavez, and six siblings: Anissa, Sara, Kelly, Robert, Cathy, and Thomas.

Above all things, Chris loved to spend time with his family. He was the love of Lisa's life and she was his, and they shared almost 28 years of their lives together. In the time his family had him, he left nothing unfinished for them. His love endures and brings them peace.

Chris took great pride and joy in raising his two daughters, and they will remember him not only as the most loving, fun, and supportive father that anyone could ask for, but also as an incomparable role model. The pride they take in being his children is only eclipsed by their love for him. They will carry on his legacy.

Chris always put his siblings before himself. He was a friend, confidant, advisor, and partner in crime. They have never known life without him. He was an integral part of each of them, and forever will be.

Chris put his whole person into everything he did. He ran 13 marathons, was an avid gamer, Lego builder, connoisseur of craft beer, and collector of cool things. He loved music, computers, comics, learning RPG systems, and creating stories with his family. He loved reading fantasy, sci-fi, and economics. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of song lyrics and quotes from favorite movies and shows. He loved going to Ren-Fest, even in a kilt.

The personal impact of Chris's life can never be fully accounted, and his professional and academic accomplishments are equally vast. The following summary barely scratches the surface: Chris (aka Dr. Erbes) was a nationally recognized expert in PTSD, Narrative Therapy, and risk and resilience. His scholarly work includes more than 100 original scientific and professional papers, and is cited as an authoritative source by top PTSD researchers and therapists.

Dr. Erbes' career spanned roughly 20 years at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center as a staff psychologist, program manager, and psychology supervisor, and also included a clinical internship at Memphis VA Medical Center in Memphis, TN, and some years as a staff psychologist for the Douglas County Hospital Mental Health Unit in Alexandria, MN. He was an Assoc. Professor in the Dept of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Minnesota, Adjunct faculty in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of St. Thomas and in the Program of Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the following fund are being accepted. Chris loved his children, who are just beginning their young adult journey, and he would want any help to benefit them directly. Thank

https://www.gofundme.com