Eric Maurice Tarr, 52, of Rochester, Minnesota died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on May 24, 2026, after a brief illness. Eric was many things: An artist, a librarian, a dad, a husband, and (some may say) a pretty loveable grump. Eric was contemplative and measured with his words. He was silly. He loved to pair a good T-shirt with a cardigan and black knee high socks. Time with him felt lighter because he was an invested listener who took what you had to say seriously, his head tipped to the side as he considered your words before responding with an encouraging, drawn out, "Yeahhhh. . .."

Eric was born in Fort Wayne, IN on October 27, 1973, to Maurice and Bonita Tarr. He was a thoughtful kid with a great ability to crack a joke at the right time. Some of his favorite childhood days were spent running wild in the neighborhood with his sister and fishing with their dad. Eric earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, where he met many lifelong artist friends, including three who, with Eric, would go on to form the e4 Art Collective. e4 was a bright spot in Eric's art journey, and together they participated in and curated many gallery shows as well as collaborated on large-scale work together. He married Clare P. (Christian) Tarr in 2009 in an outdoor ceremony full of community, good music, and rainbow kites. They created a sweet life together, welcoming their treasured sons Solomon and Morrison, and surrounding themselves with a beautiful, creative community.

Towards the end of his life, when asked how people could best support him, Eric said: "Just keep reaching out and helping the community." Reaching out was something he did his entire life, serving many children and their families through his public library work in both Indiana and Minnesota. At Rochester Public Library, Eric launched several initiatives to increase food access for families in need, including Summer Playlist on the Road, a grant-funded partnership with the Alternative Learning Center and Riverside Elementary Gardens. He also served on the Olmsted County Food Access Advisory Panel and presented at the 2019 Food Access Summit in Duluth, MN. He was involved in many art initiatives at Rochester Public Library and was dedicated to outreach at Hawthorne Literacy Center, Rochester Center for Children, and many elementary and preschools throughout the community.

Eric was a seeker of beauty: The beauty of a good book, the beauty of creating art, and the beauty he saw in the people around him. He did not hold on to what he had with a tight fist but shared it through his paintings, his writing, his kindness, and his community work. Eric's heart is best captured by the chorus of his favorite Clem Snide song: "Find love and give it all away."

He is survived by his wife Clare; his two children, Solomon and Morrison; his mother, Bonita Tarr; his sister, Melissa (David) Buckler; and many nieces, nephews, and family members, who were all incredibly special to him. He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Tarr. A celebration of life will be held at the Rochester Art Center on July 19, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to express sympathy are encouraged to make memorial contributions for the benefit of Eric's children. Checks can be sent to Macken Funeral Home, or online donations can be made at www.everloved.com/life-of/eric-tarr. Community donations can also be made in Eric's name to the Quarry Hill Nature Center. www.qhnc.org/donate.