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Peter Erk Obituary
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Peter was born in Mauerkirchen, Austria in 1949 and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 3. As a young man, he developed a love for hot rods with his '65 and '66 Pontiac GTOs, which inspired his career as a mechanic. He was known for his decades as a master technician at Lake Shore Mazda, Jacobs Twin Mazda, and North Import Motors.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Peter proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for four years, where he attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5) and honorably served in the Vietnam War..
Peter was a steadfast member of Armitage Baptist Church in Chicago, devoting countless hours to the church and its mission. His generous spirit and unwavering faith inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.
Peter is survived by his children: Michael (Kelly) Erk of Johnsburg, IL, Steven (Tricia) Erk of McHenry, IL, Christine (Derek) Steed of Johnsburg, IL, and Timothy (Carrie) Erk of Chicago, IL; his grandchildren: Angela (Darik) Koltz, David Erk, Joseph (Brianne) Erk, Kyle Erk, Joshua Erk, Sadie Erk, Zachary Erk, Desmond Steed, Ivy Steed, Zeke Steed, Emma Erk, and Evelynn Erk; and his great-grandchildren: Parker and Noah Koltz.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years: Mary Erk (Bajak); his parents: Peter Erk Jr. & Rose Erk; his parents-in-law: Hans & Maria Bajak; and his siblings: Joseph Erk & Rosemary Jensen.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Colonial Funeral Home (591 Ridgeview Dr, McHenry, IL 60050) from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A prayer service will begin at 6:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel. A continued visitation will be held the next day, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Colonial Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Ringwood Cemetery where Military Honors will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Peter's name to Honor Flight Chicago, whose mission is to provide veterans with a Day of Honor in Washington, D.C., visiting the memorials built in tribute to the service of our veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Donations can be made here: https://secured.honorflightchicago.org/np/clients/honorflightchicago/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peter, please visit our floral store.
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