Theodore R Erickson, 91 years old, passed away on Friday, September 26, at Covenant Village in Northbrook, IL. Ted was born on November 28, 1922 in Chicago IL. Ted was a World War II Vet from 1943-45 who served in Iwo Jima. He was the Beloved husband for 65 years of Gloria (Nelson), loving father of Sandra (Gary Orlando), Jean (Brian Rathbun), Ellen (Stephen Hall), Diane (Willard Holm). Proud grandfather of 11; Erick Holm (Megan), Christopher Rathbun (Jenna), Emilie Schimmel (Steve), Nathan Rathbun, Kyle Holm (Abbey), Aaron Hall, Jeremy Rathbun (Nicola), Sarah Chan (Jeff), Trevor Hall, Stephanie Hall, and Joseph Orlando. Ted had three Great grandchildren; Bradley and Caleb Holm and Samuel Theodore Schimmel. Ted is also survived by his sister, Lois Ryd (Wesley) and brother-in-law, Wilber (Mary Anne) Nelson and Victor Both.

Ted was preceded in death by their first infant daughter, Anne Elaine, his parents Oscar and Elvera Erickson, sisters Violet Erickson and Marian Both.

Ted grew up with his Swedish-American family in Chicago and attended Elim Baptist Church. He enjoyed baseball, basketball, speed skating and bicycle racing. He graduated from Tilden Tech HS, and began working as a draftsman at WH Miner in Chicago where he was recommended for the job because of his work ethic and character. He enlisted in the Army Air force in 1943, and was stationed in Hawaii and Iwo Jima. After his service, he returned to Miner in 1945 and was sent to MI and NY to supervise inventory control. Ted and Gloria met at Bethany Beach in Michigan through mutual friends, and were married September 24,1949. They lived in Benton Harbor, MI, where they had three daughters. In 1956 they relocated to Park Ridge, IL, as Ted was asked by his father-in-law, Wilbert Nelson to come work for him at Nelson Foundry Co. They had two more daughters while living in Park Ridge. In 1963 the foundry was sold, and Ted went to work at Vogel Peterson Co. in Elmhurst. Gloria's brother, Bill Nelson invited Ted to join him in partnership in 1970 at North Shore Tool & Supply in Glenview, IL where he remained until his retirement in 2001. Ted and Gloria moved out to Sun City in Huntley, IL until their move to Northbrook in 2012.

Ted was a man of deep faith in God, a quiet, humble servant to many people, a man of integrity, character, thankfulness, humor and unconditional love. We are thankful that he is now at rest and peace with His Lord.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Nov. 28th at 11:00 a.m. at South Park Church , 1330 S. Courtland, Park Ridge, IL 60068.

Memorials in his memory may be made to South Park Church , Outreach Ministries (address above); or to Silver Birch Ranch , N6120 Sawyer Lake Road, White Lake, WI. 54491.