Obituary of Joseph Erker

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.