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Bryan Erler Obituary
Bryan grew up in Northbrook, IL, going on to earn his undergraduate and master's degrees in Civil Engineering from Purdue University. He joined Sargent & Lundy Engineers LLC, retiring as an owner and senior vice president after 34 years working in the power industry. Bryan then established Erler Engineering, continuing to provide consulting to nuclear power projects globally.
Dedicated to his profession and with a willingness to share his expertise, talents and enthusiasm, Bryan worked with numerous non-profit organizations. He was most proud to serve as the 139th president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2020-2021). Over the years he was a Trustee of Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, co-chair of the Purdue President's Council, President of the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois, and Treasurer of Leadershape. He was recognized as a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus of Purdue University.
In his non-working hours, Bryan was an enthusiastic traveler and an avid golfer and skier. In reality, those interests were driven by the opportunity they provided to spend time with family and friends. Shared meals, with Bryan often serving as chef, were treasured occasions.
Bryan is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan (Crews) and his adored daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Jamie Luppes and Jennifer and Eric Arnquist. He was proud Papa to Colin Luppes and Elizabeth and Nicholas Arnquist. His siblings Bruce, Sharon and Glenn Erler, in-laws Martha and Jim Schmidt, and treasured nieces and nephews also survive.
A memorial service will be held Monday, September 11, at 2pm at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Bryan A. Erler Endowed Scholarship Fund at The ASME Foundation, 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20036 https://www.asmefoundation.org/donate/ or to a charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bryan Erler
Sam Zamrik
August 26, 2024
Bryan was a dear friend , worked together at ASME , very cordial and energetic , God bless his soul, with our prayers in heaven, will be missed ,
Frank Montana
February 1, 2024
You know there are angels that inhabit the Earth and masquerade as people. That was Bryan.
Smartest engineer I ever knew. I loved the man for over 50 years.
Madiha El Mehelmy Kotb
September 15, 2023
Sincere condolences to Susan and the whole family. Bryan will be greatly missed
Callie Tourigny
September 12, 2023
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Callie Tourigny
September 12, 2023
Callie Tourigny
September 12, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Erler Family. I was so fortunate to get to meet and interact with Bryan in 2017 for an ASME BOG Planning Meeting in Idaho, and continued to have the pleasure of serving as a volunteer with him throughout his presidency and beyond. I was always impressed with his passion for students, engineering, and though he had vast experience, knowledge and wisdom, his childlike wonder and enthusiasm were also qualities that I admired in him. I am grateful to have been able to see him at this year's annual meeting and stayed for the Leadership Celebration and captured these uploaded photos. My thoughts and prayers are lifted for you.
Julie Hendon
September 11, 2023
I will always remember Bryan´s kind, generous, and encouraging spirit. He made me feel appreciated and important as a young professional and it was always a joy having the opportunity to be in his presence. Thinking of all who loved him, especially Susan. Prayers and love for you all.
Andy Bicos
September 11, 2023
Bryan was an ASME colleague, friend and mentor. Always optimistic and willing to give of himself, he will be truly missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Constantine Petropoulos
September 11, 2023
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Javad Moslemian
September 11, 2023
Bryan was such a wonderful human being. My sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Yuntao Song
September 6, 2023
Sincere condolences to Bryan's family. His open and active attitude in international collaboration will be memorized for long time.
May he rest in peace
Jay Fehnel
September 6, 2023
The world needs more people like Bryan. His positive attitude was contagious and inspiring. He brought a lightness to life, despite the serious nature of his work. He'll be missed by many, especially the many friends he made in the Purdue community. Wishing peace and strength for his family and friends.
Maqsood Mir
September 6, 2023
Heartfelt condolence to the families. May the noble soul rest in peace, Ameen
Ralph and Monica Hill
September 5, 2023
Bryan was amazing! He was warm, kind, and generous. Bryan was both a friend, colleague, and mentor to me for the twenty some years that I had the honor and pleasure to work with him on the ASME committees. Who would have thought that a code committee volunteer would one day be the President of ASME? Bryan did that, an example to all of us! We will miss him. Monica and I send our deepest sympathies to Susan and his family.
Paul Fakes
September 5, 2023
Bryan was always an absolute pleasure to work with and he will be deeply missed by the ASME community. His infectious optimism and passion for engineering lives on in the many people he inspired!
Arnie Feldman
September 5, 2023
Bryan was a good friend and colleague. He was an inspiration both as an engineer and a person. I will miss talking and working with him. My sympathies to his entire family.
Beata
September 4, 2023
Love you all!!
Annemarie Appleton
September 4, 2023
I only knew Bryan through participation at ASME, but my encounters with him were always very pleasant and he was a very upbeat and encouraging person to work with. I am sure he will be deeply missed by many. My deepest condolences to all of this family.
Sam Zamrik
September 3, 2023
Myrna and I will miss you Bryan, enjoyed working with you at ASME. You will always be in my prayers,
Joseph Ursetto
September 2, 2023
I knew Bryan for almost 25 years as a supervisor and department manager at Sargent and Lundy. As a person he had an excellent sense of humor. I would joke with him that he was twice as tall as me.
One day we shared an elevator up to our office and I noticed he had a cast on his foot. When I asked, he answered that he had had an Achilles tendon problem from jumping the net after a tennis match. After I told him that he could have just stepped over it, I challenged him to a foot race that I was sure to win. His laughter shook the elevator
Jennifer Doyle
September 2, 2023
The first time I ever went camping was with Mr. Erler, and he made me my first crêpe
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