Keith George Erickson

August 5, 1944 - January 7, 2025

If you ever met my dear husband, Keith George Erickson, you would know he was a kind, personable, and funny guy. In following with his Scandinavian heritage, he was a very hard and tenacious worker; working until he was seventy-five and always enjoying it; and he loved telling his Scandinavian jokes. He was a man committed to Christ, brought up in a Baptist family of five siblings who have all, along with their children and their children's children, continually walked in the way of God's word. He was an educated man, working hard, once with three jobs in college, to earn his BA (1966) and his MA (1971) in Spanish from IllinoisState University, and his PhD (1983) in Educational Administration from the University of Iowa. He taught Spanish at United Township High School in East Moline, served as Chair of the Foreign Language Department, and advanced to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Personnel; he then served as Director of Curriculum at Moline Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Rock Island/Milan Public Schools, Western Region Coordinator for National Louis University of Chicago, and Field Supervisor for Clinical Experiences for Western Illinois University.

His entire family is musical, and Keith has blessed many with his tenor voice and his joyous singing, and he has passed this on to his two sons and six grandchildren.

He participated in his local community working with men and women who struggled with addictions. His life, in spite of its own moments of brokenness, exemplified a belief in the redemptive and victorious power of Jesus Christ.

Finally, he truly loved people and was graciously loved in return by many. All those listed below plus all of Gene's family, many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, his Church family, dear friends and neighbors, and colleagues of every level.

His parents, George and Birdia Erickson [deceased]; his siblings, Dick [dec.] (June) WA, Virginia (Dwain) FL, Joel (Marian) IL, Dean (Marcia) TX; his two sons, wives and grandchildren, Christian (Shelley), Lynus [dec.], Astrid, and Asmund MA, Matthew (Kelly), Isaiah (Liz), Joshua (Regann), and David WI. And me, his wife of fifty-eight years, Gene. Keith died after a seven-year struggle with esophageal cancer. Rest in true peace and joy, "thy true and faithful servant."

A memorial service will be held in the Quad Cities at a later date. Memorial gifts should be given to First United Presbyterian Church, Moline, IL; Youth Hope in Rock Island, IL; and Pregnancy Resources, Moline, IL. Condolences may be found at the website for Krause Funeral Home (Milwaukee, WI).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Rock Island Dispatch Argus on Jan. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Erickson

Sponsored by Krause Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Inc. - Brown Deer Road.

10 Entries

Tom Berg

January 20, 2025

I worked with Keith and was friends with him. He was important to my career. He was a great guy with an easy smile and laugh. My condolences to Gene and his family.

Dave & Diane Smith

January 17, 2025

To Gene and Keith's family, we are so sorry for your loss. Keith was such a kind and generous man. We remember fondly his & Gene's hospitality at their home on the River. We thank God for our memory of our brother in Christ, and pray God's grace & healing for you all.

Darcie Sutton

January 16, 2025

I have fond memories of working with Keith at United Township. His smile and friendliness were always present. He made an impact on many lives.

Marta Staranowicz (Cantu)

January 14, 2025

Mr. Erickson was my Spanish Teacher for all 4 years at UTHS. He was an excellent teacher. He inspired me to become a Bilingual Teacher and he sure was a big part of my success as a teacher. I remember Mr. Erickson with much fondness. He touched so many lives with his positive attitude toward life.
My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace and Thank you for all the good you did for your students!!!

Bretl´s

January 14, 2025

We met Both Keith and Gene through church and they were always kind and considerate people and he will be missed by many until we meet again Bob and Jokie

Spike O'Dell

January 14, 2025

I was saddened when I read this notice that Mr. Erickson had passed on to his heavenly reward. He was my Spanish teacher my freshman year at UTHS. While I was a poor student when it came to a foreign language, I truly liked him and considered him one of my favorite teachers. He even surprised me years later when he showed up at my office in Chicago to say hi and catch up a bit. What a pleasant surprise that was. I will always remember him as funny, kind, and his million dollar smile could light up the room. Hugs to all who loved him.
Te veré en el cielo mi buen amigo.

Ralph Cobar

January 12, 2025

He was my Spanish teacher for three years. With a smile on his face and a song, he got us to learn. Say una ves un bar un bar que Chiquita, that verse of a song has stuck in my head all these years later. On behalf of the class of 1974, rest with God, knowing you changed many lives

Girls from George's Classic Cleaners

January 12, 2025

So very sorry to read of Keith's passing. He was such a fighter. It was always so nice to see him come in. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal

Ralph & Norma Grotelueschen

January 12, 2025

Gene, our Sympathy to you. We shared many pleasant outings through couples club at St John's Lutheran East Moline and that continued on for some time with many pleasant visits, usually a number of couples, new to the Quad Cities. Remember helping your first move to Rock Island. It was always a joy to share time and friendship with people committed to Christ as their Savior and happily living the sanctified life. Blessings to the entire Erickson clan.

George Sierra

January 12, 2025

I remember him as my Spanish teacher at UTHS. A good teacher with a great sense of humor. A true teacher who was involved in education his whole life. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

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