Brian Heskin

Minot

Brian Heskin, 38, Minot, formerly of Norwich, ND, passed away on Tuesday, December 17,2024 in Minot.

Brian Michael Heskin was born on January 26, 1986, in Minot, ND, the son of Kim and Lila (Espeseth) Heskin. He was raised on the family farm, north of Norwich. Even though he had different plans for his future, he helped his dad on the farm every chance he could get. He talked about what a great and easy going boss his dad was.

Brian spent his childhood as farm kids do-playing outside, playing with the dogs, making forts and getting into trouble with cousins and neighbors. He basically did whatever his big sister Kristy told him to do. Brian loved skiing from an early age. The skiing he and Cole did before helmets were a thing that would not be recommended. He loved fishing with his dad, both as a kid and now as an adult. He was a Vikings fan and even turned his dad on to football.

Brian’s education started early with his cousin Zac in Kristy’s basement schoolroom. They spent many hours learning and getting smacked on the palm with a ruler, because she saw it on an episode of Little House on the Prairie.

Brian graduated from Granville High School in 2004. He had a tight group of friends that he ran around pulling more shenanigans than we want to think about. Even though they got into trouble, they were a fiercely loyal group.

He attended college at Minot State University, majoring in English. He was an amazing writer. He could make anything interesting, entertaining, and of course funny. He finally got to use his writing talent when he got his dream job. He was currently the newspaper editor of MHA Times in Newtown, ND. He started there in April of 2022 during a bad snow storm- fitting that a storm was his first big story. It was said that Brian put his heart and soul into MHA Times and that the newspaper greatly improved under his care. Even though he wasn’t there very long, he quickly became a beloved part of their community.

Brian was obsessed with weather from the time he was a little boy. Most kids sit and watch cartoons- Brian sat and watched The Weather Channel, studying the radar while it updated through for hours. This was when he started storm chasing- with his dad. They would go all over chasing storms, usually ending with a stop at Dairy Queen for ice cream.

Brian started Dakota Storm Stalkers in 2016. People were surprised to find out that it was not a big group of people, but a one-man show. People from all over trusted his weather forecast and appreciated the humor he added. Over 100,000 people followed him.

Brian was an absolutely amazing photographer. He would never tell you, but he won numerous state awards for his photography. Whether it be taking photos of people or nature, he could capture it in a rare way.

Brian’s passion for weather and photography brought him such satisfaction in his life. He spent countless hours getting that special storm or lightning shot. We will all have bittersweet memories of his beautiful photography.

He got to work with Kristy at Target for a bit as a cart attendant. Some other places Brian worked were eTelecare and the Chrysler Center. He worked for many years at JCPenney and came away from there with some lifelong friends.

Brian met his girlfriend Alyssa in 2010. You must be a special kind of person to go storm chasing all over the country with Brian, especially letting him use her car. Brian and Alyssa recently moved into their first home. They were excited to finally have their own space and Brian was busy working in and enjoying their new yard. Finally, they were able to get a pet and Archie the dog joined the family. The happiness Archie brought Brian cannot be measured.

Brian’s most important job on this Earth for absolute certainty was the job of uncle to Lillian and Jack. It didn’t matter who they were with, if Uncle Brian showed up, that person was quickly abandoned. They did everything together- made slime, built forts, flew drones, took pictures, skied, played ping pong… Brian went to as many of their events as he could. They were so proud of him. After having to deal with the early years of shenanigans, getting to watch his life with Lillian and Jack was a gift to his mom.

Brian was a member of Norwich Lutheran Church.

This world has lost an amazing uncle, son, brother, and friend. We are lucky to have had you in our lives, Brian.

Those Most Honored to Share in His Life; Parents: Kim and Lila Heskin; sister: Kristy (Jerry) Kuntz; niece & nephew, Lillian and Godson Jack Kuntz; along with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Alyssa Poth, Archie and Alyssa’s family; parents, Brad and Melody Poth; sisters Jenny Poth and Kayleigh (Chris) Scheffer, nieces, Coralynn and Mabel Scheffer; nephew, Samuel Scheffer; and brother, Dylan Poth.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Myron and Lillian Espeseth and Donna & Alvin Heskin; his aunt and uncle, Sandy & Kerry Bacon, and his uncles, Myles Espeseth and Neale Heskin.

Brian’s family would like to thank everyone for their acts of kindness and support, whether it was a call or text, a delivery of food or supplies, or a hug. Your love for Brian means the world to us. We also want to thank Kelly and the team at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home for giving us such wonderful care.

Private family services were held with burial at Norwich Cemetery, Norwich, ND.

Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 24, 2024.