Erik P. Apland, 52, of Annapolis, Maryland, died suddenly on Monday, May 14, 2018, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. 

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Grace Free Lutheran Church in Bruce. Visitation is from 3 to 5 p.m Sunday at the church. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Erik Paul Apland was born on Oct. 13, 1965, in Brookings, the son of Glen and Ardyce (Esmond) Apland and grew up on the family farm near Bruce. He passion for music was born when he started playing the piano at the age of 5. He graduated from Sioux Valley High School in Volga and completed degrees in classical piano performance from South Dakota State University and the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He exhibited great musical versatility by performing music ranging from classical to jazz as a soloist and in many ensembles. Erik taught choir at Brookings High School for a year before entering the field of jazz as the leader of show and dance orchestras on cruise ships. Later, he was bandleader and calliope artist aboard the historic steamboat “The Delta Queen.” Erik joined “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in 1998 as one of only three presidential pianists and in that capacity played at the White House for dignitaries and celebrities from around the world, with performances that were often televised nationwide. 

His personal highlight was playing for the Charles Schultz Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for the Schultz family. This was especially exciting for Erik as he was a huge fan of the cartoon “Peanuts.” Erik also was a pianist with the legendary Sam Butera band, based in Las Vegas.  Erik settled in the Annapolis area and continued to use his musical talents serving as the pianist for the Annapolis Chorale and Chamber Chorus, Peabody Ragtime Ensemble and Heritage Harbour Chorus. He was a full time freelance artist and led musical worship from the piano at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and Joy Reigns Lutheran Church.

 Erik will always be remembered as a fine, decent, kind hearted, caring and funny son, brother, uncle and friend. He was known for his dry wit and enjoyed his worldly travels. No matter how far away from home he lived, Erik never forgot where he came from and would return every year to perform concerts with his close friend, Shawn Cable in Museum Park, in Bruce, on his mom’s porch, singalongs at Grace Free Lutheran Church, the Terry Redlin Center in Watertown and in De Smet. He was a proud alum of the SDSU’s Pride of the Dakota Marching Band and continued to be a supporter throughout his life.

 He is survived by his mother, Ardyce Apland, of Bruce; two sisters, Karen Apland of Esko, Minnesota, and Diane (David) Herrold, of Lake Andes; his niece, Megan (Tim) Fulton, of Lake Andes; nephew, Nathan Herrold, of Lake Andes; three great-nieces and a host of relatives.

 He is preceded in death by his father, Glen Apland.

 Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.