Horst Fritz Erker

Horst Fritz Erker 96, of DeKalb passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at home.  He was born February 1, 1926, in Borna, Germany and was the son of Fredrich and Charlotte (Eckert) Erker.

Before coming to the states Horst finished his education and continued onto higher education in business and electrical motor skills. He married Hirlande M. Schmitt on November 8, 1958, in Indiana, she preceded him in death on August 20, 2014. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb, Columbus Club member, and was a Lifetime member of the DeKalb Elks Lodge #765.

Horst enjoyed sitting outside watching the squirrels, a cold beverage while socializing with his friends, and he loved traveling with his wife Hirlande.

Survivors include children; Ramona (Louis) Triebold of Mundelein, IL, Karen (Kevin Bernasek) Hoffman of Pleasanton, NE, and John Erker of DeKalb. Grandchildren; Michael (Michelle), Justin (Michelle), Tyler, Ryan (Candace), Brandon, Garrett (Hope), Brittany, Carly, Coral and Taylor. Great grandchildren; Corben, Dylan, Ethan, and Giovanni. He was preceded in death by his parents; Fredrich and Charlotte, wife; Hirlande, son; Paul and brother Hans Erker.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022, at 10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb with Father Dean Russell officiating. Burial will be immediately following the service at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 4:00pm-7:00pm with a wake service at 6:45pm at Finch Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.