Robert M Erickson

Bob, 68, of Griffith, left us to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, November 1, 2024.

The son of Robert V. Erickson and Gwendolyn L. (nee Gesmond) Erickson, he grew up in Hammond, and Highland along with his sisters Cathy and Jan. They moved to Griffith where he graduated from Griffith High School in 1974. An excellent student, he was on the letterman’s club ranked 35 out of 319 students. He was also good at sports; he was on the track team and played on the basketball team. After graduation he took a job at Nichels and Goldsmith (PTL) in Griffith as a mechanic and soon became the service manager. A love for working on cars where he excelled learning the trade from his father. During this time, he became a born again Christian and met Debbie Zabrecky, his beloved partner of 50 years.

He then advanced his career taking a job for Toyota of Merrillville, became a master technician and shop foreman. He was an avid reader, enjoyed watching college basketball and football. Loved playing cards, especially double deck pinnacle with his sister Cathy and brother-in-law Rob till all hours of the night.

Fixing things and crossword puzzles always kept him busy. He had fun sharpening his focus and concentration skills shooting pool with his sister Jan and was on a number of pool leagues with his nephew, Jeremy. On a bowling league with top bowler, Stan, it kept his competitive spirit with the challenge of that perfect 200 score.  

In the fall, he always looked forward to vacation at Wisconsin Dells for Wo-Zha-Wa, a fall festival. Meeting up with long-time friends Janet and Gordon Kiser and many others was the highlight of fall. He loved his family and the Zabrecky’s and was close with Debbie’s sister, Denyce and her husband, Benson.

Bob had a full and blessed life that he shared with so many. Thank God we got to share it with him while he was with us.

Bob is survived by his beloved partner and best friend, Debbie Zabrecky, sisters; Cathy (Robert) Ireland, and Jan (Michael) Hatler. Step-sisters; Roxanne Tesar, Karen (David) Lundblade, Step Brothers; Steve Young, Marty Young, and Randy (Suzette) Young.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gwendolyn and Stepmother, Ann Erickson (formerly Young).

A visitation will be held at White Funeral Home located at 921 W. Glen Park Ave. (45th Ave.) Griffith on Friday, November 8th, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A graveside service will be held DIRECTLY at Elmwood Cemetery, located at 1413 169th St., Hammond, IN on Saturday, November 9th, 2024, beginning at 11:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, one of his favorite charities.

For more information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or visit our website at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

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