Obituary of Jeffrey A. Erickson
Jeffrey A. “Jeff” Erickson, age 58, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, after a valiant battle from a ruptured brain aneurysm. Born on March 28, 1960, he was the son of Donald, Sr. and Joan Erickson. Jeff grew up in Plainfield until he left to attend Eastern Illinois University, where he made lifelong friends that kept in touch until his final days. Lifetime friendships also followed in his neighbors that became friends.
Jeff loved sports and sports loved Jeff; he was a natural at everything, but excelled at baseball, basketball and football. “It’s still in there”, was one of his favorite quotes while dominating a game of HORSE or hitting home runs in his family home run derbies, later in his life. He went on to coach his kids in sports and would choose his team based on the players desire to learn. Jeff has been a dedicated employee of Red E Mix for 35 years and a proud brother and friend to many in Teamsters Local #179. When relaxing, he loved playing with his pups, watching Little League World Series, college baseball and football, and travel when time allowed. His Harley was his escape, when weather permitted.
Jeff is survived by his loving and devoted wife of nearly 33 years, Sheryl (nee Schwab); his three children of whom he was most proud to speak of, Stephen (Michelle), Matthew and Hannah; his granddaughter, MacKenzie, who lit up his world; and his second grandbaby on the way in April would have done the same, both will know their grandpa through stories of love and laughter; his parents; and siblings, Debbie (Kelly) Gallardo, Don (Irena) Erickson, Jr., Steve (Charlie) Erickson, Beth (Mike) Zimmer. He will also be missed dearly by his fur babies, Stella and Piper.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Diane; newborn brother, William; and most recently brave nephew, Colton Erickson.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Joliet Area Community Hospice, as they were instrumental in keeping Jeff comfortable during the last days of his fight.
Visitation for Jeffrey A. Erickson will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2018, from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Funeral Services will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeff’s name to the Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431, would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
