Joseph Erker Obituary
IN MEMORY OF
JOSEPH ERKER
1930-2022
Joseph Erker, 91 years young, passed away in his home on January 18, 2022, after several months of illness. Joseph was born September 9, 1930. Born in Yugoslavia, Joe learned his trade as a baker in Austria during World War II. He immigrated to New York City after the war. Joe married the love of his life, Klara, also born in Yugoslavia, in 1957. They moved to San Diego, California in 1989 and then he moved to Chapel Hill in 2012. Joe was married to Klara Wittreich Erker for 52 years who preceded him in death in 2011.
Joe leaves a family who adored and admired him, and will be forever grateful for his gentleness, optimism, kindness, baked goods, and playful nature. He taught all his family to ski and has skied worldwide, his favorite being Lake Tahoe in California. A family ski trip to Lake Tahoe is planned to scatter his ashes. To paraphrase, "God's Country ---Unbelievable".
Due to pandemic conditions and adhering to Joe's personal request, there will be no service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date where Joe wanted all who attend to "share a meal and a good time". He always loved laughter and wanted to make you smile with a joke.
Please consider a donation to Achieve Tahoe – dedicated to building health, confidence, and independence in people with disabilities through outdoor recreation.
Special thanks to the UNC Hospice Team who provided so much comfort and compassion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
11680 US Highway 15 501 N, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
People and places connected with Joseph
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
2 Entries
Barbette Morscher-Havriliak
January 24, 2022
To our friend and our father's (Herbert Morscher) ski buddy. We all have the fondest of memories growing up with the Erker family and can remember the best ski trips with Joe, Ingrid and Robert. Our hearts go out to you at this time of loss and hope that you can hold on to the beautiful memories. The photograph is fantastic and I almost want to say that I remember those super cool ski boots and jacket. I will ski one for him... With our love from NY. Barbette Morscher-Havriliak, Herbert & Sidonia Morscher and Family.
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Barbette Morscher-Havriliak
January 24, 2022
Our hearts all go out to our friend, a one of my father's (Herbert Morscher) ski buddies. I have the fondest memories of skiing with Joe and his children Ingrid and Robert. This is a fun and happy photograph of Joe and is exactly as I remember and will remember him. Feel hugged and the next time I ski, I will ski one for him. My deepest sympathy. Barbette Morscher-Havriliak
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