Eric Lee Altenberg Obituary (1959 - 2022)

Eric Lee Altenberg, b. August 15th, 1959, died May 4th, 2022. An accomplished photographer who moved to Minneapolis after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Eric was always absolutely himself, never took life too seriously, and encouraged everyone around him to do the same. His true home was among the weirdos of Powderhorn Park, which he documented with his camera on his hip for the better part of 30 years. Even as his disease progressed, he lived on his own terms, enjoying the music of Frank Zappa and Fred Frith, traveling to Europe and Asia, and beating everyone he knew at ping-pong. Eric was known for his quick zingers, delivered with a loving twinkle in his eye even as they jabbed you in the gut. Graveside service Friday, May 6th at 2:30pm, at TEMPLE ISRAEL MEMORIAL PARK, 4200 3rd Ave. S., Mpls. Funeral also available on zoom, email zoom5@hodroffepstein.com. A celebration of life in August TBA. Preceded in death by his mother, Elaine Tema Altenberg (née Levin) and daughters, Hannah Frances and Sophie Miriam. Eric is survived by father, Jules Beck Altenberg; brothers, Mark, Gary & Peter Altenberg; son, Mikolai Jacob Altenberg; daughter, Sulia Rose Altenberg; many nieces and nephews; and an expansive community of Powderhorn neighbors, local photographers, amazing caregivers and lots of folks all around the world.