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Gregory Erjavac Obituary
June 1, 1960 - May 31, 2020
MADISON, WI - Gregory J. Erjavac, 59, of Madison, WI, son of the late Virginia and Joseph Erjavac; loving brother of Marianne (Glen) Mayer, Katherine Wilk, Sandra Jo (David) Mazurek, and the late Joey; and uncle of Natalie, Sean, Grace, and Jack Mayer, and Camille Wilk, sadly and suddenly passed away on May 31, 2020. A proud University of Notre Dame alumni, a “double domer” earning both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical Engineering there, his career as an electrical engineer took him all over the world. After graduating, he spent over thirty years with TRW where he worked in places like Alice Springs, Australia and Harrogate, England. During his tenure as an electrical engineer, he encountered, assisted with, and solved the most complex and insane problems that a person could see or experience in the top-secret endeavor that he certainly loved, and his efforts made a positive difference in the world. Greg was brilliant, helpful, and patient. He saw technology and capabilities twenty years into the future. He saw 2040 before the rest of us saw 2020. More than anything, Greg was one of the most loyal brothers and friends a person could have. His family absolutely adored him. His Notre Dame friends, who were also his brothers, have called him the glue that held them all together, and selfless. Greg loved his family, friends, Notre Dame, the Cubs, chess, travel, sports, and was always an avid reader. He travelled and climbed throughout all of the world -- every continent, including Antarctica. Wherever he was in the world, he never forgot his family and friends. His heart was as big as the world. He will be missed greatly by his family and many friends around the world. Greg is survived by his three sisters, Marianne Mayer, Katherine Wilk, and Sandra Jo Mazurek. Vita, Dulcedo, Spes (Life, Sweetness, Hope).
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions, the Funeral will be limited to close family. A celebration of his life will be planned for a later time. Greg's interment will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery at the University of Notre Dame.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Notre Dame in support of undergraduate financial aid.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Erjavac
John and Nona Russell
June 2, 2024
Sorry, wanted to send a P.S.
Thanks to Artist Sister for being a good friend and for contacting us.... P.S.S. Greggs we are going to a baseball game in Tokyo at the end of the month. It's not like getting a Coca Cola in Sao Tome... totally possible .
John and Nona Russell
June 1, 2024
Still missing you Greggs. You would have enjoyed Japan with us. Living here is very different from visiting! We had fun traveling to the 7 continents together didn't we? Your buddies always - John and Nona
Mark Chapman
June 1, 2024
Oh my Dear Greg, another year passes since I´ve seen you. I still miss our golfing days that were filled with fun and the odd good shot. You were a top bloke and will always be remembered in my heart and thoughts. Mark.
Mark Chapman
June 1, 2023
Another year passes my dear Greg and I still miss our times together just like it was yesterday that I saw you.
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John Russell
June 1, 2023
Greggs...
You were so excited to hear that we wanted to work in Japan so that you could visit... Well we are just about to move to Tokyo in a few days! Hope you stop by in spirit.
Fondly, your traveling Buddies,
John and Nona
Dörte & Alexander Kuchenbecker
July 14, 2022
We didn´t want to know.
Four messages unanswered and two Christmas cards with Greg´s distinct handwriting missing, we knew something was severely wrong.
But we had imagined more reunions with Greg, either in his new home or hosting him in Germany or maybe even meeting up in France or elsewhere on this globe.
France is where we are on vacation, right now.
So we have time to reminisce and we finally had the guts to do some research which led us here immediately.
So here we find the truth: We have lost a very (!) dear friend. A truely modest, reliable, sincere and humorous and never boring friend. Just like the one that has been described below.
We recognize the character in what others have written about him.
It makes us feel close to his friends and family.
He had sent me a parcel for my 50th birthday, and I found out that he must have gone to Valhalla in between the sending and me receiving it. My birthday is one day after his. My thrilled thank you note and congratulations remained unanswered.
I lit a candle for Greg in a chapel in Collobrières - one of our favorite French villages in Provence. I said thank you again - in a different way this time.
I´m sure he would´ve appreciated the gesture and the place.
I imagine him looking down with a smile and a pleasant comment.
It has been an honor and a treasure to be able to call Greg a friend ever since we met him in Fiji in 1992.
He has been taken away from our earthly lives but the treasure of memories, shared thoughts and his contribution to our lives just being himself cannot be taken away from us.
After the lockdown till may 26th, Greg had intended to buy himself a bike. Has he ever been able to fulfill this plan? I hope that his Valhalla allows him to live according to his taste. He sure deserves a Valhalla very much like Paradise!
In loving memories - his German friends Dörte and Alexander
[email protected]
Mark Chapman
June 1, 2022
My dear friend Greg, I can´t believe I´ve not seen you for two years. I miss you and our friendship we shared at golf. Stu sadly died too and I hope you´re with him now. I´ll never forget you my kind friend. X
Walt Bender
June 1, 2022
I´m certain that he continues on with great purpose and vigor.
Katherine
June 1, 2021
I miss you everyday and have so many fond memories of you. You lived everyday with integrity and to the fullest, a shining example for all, a blessing. I remember your visit soon after 9/11, a very uncertain and scary time especially in NYC. While I thought it was brave of you to come visit then, it hit me that you were at greater risk than most people because of your job. You were so brave, thoughtful, reassuring, concerned with Camille’s and my happiness and safety above your own. You gave me the biggest hug I ever got in my life, and an extra big hug to Camille, when you were leaving. I’ll always remember with gratitude how you were an inspiration and comfort in such a frightening and uncertain time. God bless you.
Mark Chapman
June 1, 2021
Cant believe it's a year my friend. I miss you and our laughs together
Maybe one day we'll meet again, I really hope so.
Mike Rapaport
June 19, 2020
As most people know, Gregs passion was traveling and sports. I was fortunate enough travel with Greg on some of his adventures (sometimes sports related). Greg loved traveling so much, he retired because work was getting in the way of his travels. What some people may not know, is as a young lad, Greg had a keen interest in Norse mythology.
When traveling with Greg, he would buy an enormous number of postcards. Some he would mail, but most he would keep. He would also keep ticket stubs, maps, pamphlets, and books. All these items he would lovingly pack in his bags (careful the items would not get bent). When we traveled to South Africa, he kept all the receipts from the restaurants because he couldnt believe how inexpensive food was. In Gregs flat, he had piles for paper from various trips. I once asked Greg what he was going to do with all the paper. Greg said he was building a paper hoard so he could enter Valhalla. Thus, whenever I would travel (sometimes with Greg, sometimes without), I was sure to send Greg plenty of postcards so he could enter Valhalla.
I wish Greg well on his final adventure to Valhalla. Im sure Greg is looking down on his Artist Sister and his Triplet Sister and all his friends from there. I will miss my good friend...
Mike Rapaport
June 19, 2020
Brian Grafstrom
June 17, 2020
It is with an extremely heavy heart that I post this short message. I met Greg while living in Harrogate during the early 2010's. I immediately hit it off with him, and enjoyed every single moment we spent together.
I was always impressed with his perpetual kindness, happiness, and generous nature. We went golfing together regularly --- just Greg and I --- whether it be a quick 9 after work, or as many holes as we could squeeze-in before it got too dark to see our tee shots! The thing about golfing with somebody is that you truly get to know them. For hours, all you do is walk (or ride) together, talk about life, ideas, events and wonders. And then there's the obligatory Hole 19, where you can reminisce over the few good shots of the game, and forget about all the bad ones. You get to discover how well somebody handles adversity! Golfing with Greg, I learned he was a wonderful human being, with a fantastic sense of humor, and admirable patience.
I will miss Greg's smile and happiness. The world lost a genuinely Good Guy when we lost Greg. May he rest in peace.
Mark Maday
June 14, 2020
I've known Greg since our freshman year in high school; a lasting friendship that spanned 45 years. We went to different universities, on to different engineering careers, and eventually Greg moved over seas. But we stayed in touch and remained good friends through it all. A lot of stories and memories stretched out over time; high school; visiting Greg at Notre Dame, Los Angles, Australia, England; and Greg getting snowed in when he visited me one time in Milwaukee. Greg was perhaps a little nerdy (me too), and maybe at times a little quirky (me too again), but he was smart, witty and a true good spirit. To know him was to appreciate the great and kind person he was.
With his recent retirement and move to Madison WI, I was looking forward to seeing him a bit more often. It was just 2 weeks ago I was making preparations to take Greg fishing on his 60th Birthday, when his sister called with the shocking and awful news of his passing. He was undoubtedly one of the most thoughtful people I knew and always put others before himself. In these unsettled and turbulent times of viruses and unrest, it strikes me that the world could sure use a lot more people like Greg rather than losing the only one we had. Gone way too soon. I will miss my friend.
Steve Neurauter
June 14, 2020
I met Greg soon after I started working in England and we hit it off right away. It turned out that he grew up only a few miles away from each other and there was something very familiar about him. The familiarity could have been from where we grew up, that we both went to colleges near where we grew up, that we both worked in the same office near LA after college, or that we both thought it was a good idea to move half way across the world for work and adventure. I always enjoyed spending time with him because there was always a piece of home in our conversation and that helped me cope with being away from home while I worked in England.
I enjoyed traveling with Greg, too. We went on many trips to the Highlands and to Islay in Scotland. Most of my trips to those areas were with Greg and we had a great time trying new whiskies and new foods.
Greg was very generous and often brought and shared the best bottle our group had on a whisky trip or at a whisky tasting. He also always knew the best places to eat and stay on Wimbledon trips to London.
Greg was always up for hanging out with friends. Since we met, we've spent many holidays together. The last time I saw him was when he stayed with us last New Year's Eve. As always, it was a fun night of enjoying good food and good drinks.
I am very sad that he is gone. I was looking forward to hanging out with him now that he was retired and only a couple of hours drive from where I now live. We would have gone to many Cubs games and I would have liked to go with him to another Cubs World Series.
Greg had so many friends and lived his life to the fullest. We spent a good amount of time together but it's clear he had time for a lot of other friends, too. There are so many stories of Greg traveling and having fun with other people. Greg is definitely gone far too early but he lived a full life. I am happy for him that he did not waste his the opportunity to do so.
RIP, good friend.
Steve Neurauter
Shane Barclay
June 10, 2020
I was fortunate enough to know Greg via my role at JapanBall, a baseball tourism company. Greg went on six of our tours and was going to increase that number to ten by the end of this year! We were going to spend about a month in total together this year, watching baseball in four different countries. He was such a treat to have along on our tours because of his easy smile, gung-ho attitude, and his efforts to help out both the guides and fellow guests, especially the newbies. I am going to miss him, always with a Cubs hat and Canon zoom lens. He will always be a treasured member of the JapanBall family.
Shane Barclay
June 10, 2020
June 10, 2020
I met Greg through his sister, Marianne when she and I attended Saint Mary's College together. We would walk over to ND and visit him occasionally. It was clear how proud Marianne was of her big brother and what a great relationship they shared. He, like my dear friend Marianne, is a class act and a one of a kind person. Someone who comes into your life and you are truly privileged to call "friend". God bless him and all his dear ones.
Dan Westerdale
June 10, 2020
Walt Bender
June 9, 2020
It was my privilege and good pleasure to know and work with Greg during my assignment in Australia.
Margaret Gimmy
June 9, 2020
thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Greg at our mutual friend's manor house in France where we were helping to restore it. I know he will be sorely missed by many of his friends in the UK and I am so sorry for his family's loss. Rest in Peace Greg.
Stuart Bennett
June 8, 2020
I was lucky enough to play golf with Greg most weekends for 10 years at Oakdale and Harrogate Golf Clubs He was one of those very few people you ever meet in your life that was a true gentleman. I am very priviledged that he was my friend. My sincere condolences to his family.
Mark Chapman
June 8, 2020
Greg was a dear friend who I met through golf. We have had the best laughs every week for 10 years. Greg, myself and Stu were the three musketeers of golf. His passing has left a big hole in my heart and I will never forget you my kind hearted friend. RIP Greg.
Mark Chapman
June 8, 2020
Greg was a great friend who I met through golf. We have had 10 years of fun on the course. His passing has left a big hole in my heart and I will never forget him. RIP my lovely kind hearted friend. Mark.
Bill Richards
June 8, 2020
I met Greg (better known as "Erj") 42 years ago when we were both wide-eyed freshmen at Notre Dame. Erj was very shy and socially awkward at the time, but he was one of those people who was hard not to like. He made many friends at Notre Dame and nurtured those friendships his entire life. Over the years, Greg came out of his shell and established deep friendships with more people than I can count. It was an amazing metamorphosis to watch.
Greg visited us on numerous occasions in SoCal and got to know our children well. They affectionately called him "Uncle Erj". When we took a family trip to the UK, Greg took time off work, traveled to London, and took it upon himself to be our personal tour guide for a week. He was simply the most amazing and gracious host we've ever had. In recent years, business brought me to the UK a couple times a year and our office was near Harrogate where Greg lived, affording me the opportunity to visit him more often than in the past. On one of those trips he played tour guide for my wife and me, taking us through Scotland for a few days. On other trips, he took me through the Scottish Highlands and to the Lake District to see the Bluebells in blossom. We were planning to take our family to Ireland for 2 weeks this past May. Greg was going to join us for the last few days in Northern Ireland. We'd been planning the trip for 1-1/2 years and were all looking forward to it. But COVID-19 shredded those plans robbed us of the opportunity to spend some cherished time with our beloved "Uncle Erj".
Greg developed a sharp wit over the years as well. During the height of the Brexit turmoil, Greg told me a story about a change that his boss was considering which Greg didn't particularly like. So he told his boss that if that change was made, it might trigger a "Gregxit". I marveled at how he could come up with stuff like that.
He valued his family and loyal friends above all else, and I consider myself very fortunate to be counted among his friends for so many years. You will be missed, Erj.
Dan & Karen Westerdala
June 8, 2020
Karen and I met Greg in 2002 when I joined TRW/NG. Straight away he was very friendly and quickly became a good friend. Over the years Gregs kindness, generosity, level-headedness and good nature shone more brightly than almost anyone else weve known.
At work Greg was so knowledgeable, proficient and a superb mentor. And he was a joy to work with, especially if he worked crew shifts where he enthusiastically participated in the frequent banter with quick wit and good humor. Every Holiday season, when other meal options were limited, Greg personally indulged the work crews with mountains of snack foods that lasted many days!
We spent much time together at each others homes, sometimes binge-watching sitcoms like Big Bang Theory. When we bought a house in France to fix up Greg was one of the first, and most frequent of our guests to stay a few nights and help with chores. He always vigorously dived into the work of the day then reveled in delicious meals and good wine after. Many days finished with a dram of excellent scotch and good conversation in front of the fireplace. One of our bedrooms we refer to as Gregs Room, and we were looking forward to many visits over years of retirement. It wont be the same without him.
We miss you, Greg.
John & Nona Russell
June 7, 2020
Greggs was a great friend and travel buddy. He will be sorely missed. God Bless his spirit.
Katherine Wilk
June 7, 2020
Greg was the best big brother and my best friend. I will miss him everyday. Although he had a brilliant career that made the world a better place, it was his connection with people that was extra special. Humble, he had a strong moral compass and quiet compassion. Of the many books he loved, there are two that stand out now: I Am Third by Hank Aaron and Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Hank Aaron said in his life God was first, his family was second, and he was third. That was how Greg lived his life. Greg loved the movie Its A Wonderful Life, and in it, the angel Clarence carries Tom Sawyer with him and leaves it for George Bailey in the end with a note in it saying: Remember no man is a failure who has friends. So many people loved Greg, he was clearly a big success. I know Greg is now an Angel (first class, of course) and already got his wings. God bless you, Greg.
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