Erik Gerhard October 19, 1973 - December 25, 2023

Erik Alan Gerhard

age 50, of Marion, Illinois, died on December 25, 2023.

He was born October 19, 1973, in Belleville, Illinois, son of Karl Edward and Edith Marie Klostermann Gerhard.  On July 3, 2021, he married Heather Davy in Hawaii.

Erik served with the 706^th Transportation Company of the United States Army in Operation Iraqi Freedom, deploying as an activated United States Army Reservist to Taji, Iraq, from January 2004 to January 2005.  He attained the rank of Staff Sargent E-6.  He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (4^thAward), National Defense Service Medal (2^nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device (2^nd Award), NCO Professional Development Ribbon With Numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, and Driver Mechanic Badge for his combat service as a convoy commander.  He was involved in various charities and civic organizations throughout his life.  Erik graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.  He worked as a Soil Scientist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture for more than 20 years, receiving awards and commendations for his work through the years.  Erik was a dedicated and loving husband, father, son, brother, stepfather, papa, co-worker, and friend.  He was quick with a smile, nod, and one more story.

Surviving Erik is his wife, Heather Davy; his children: Kathryn Gerhard and Kimberly Gerhard; the mother of his children: Christian Heather Ford Monks (Bob); parents:  Karl and Edith Gerhard; sisters:  Heidi Gerhard and Kristine Gerhard Baker (John); nieces and nephews:  Elisabeth Hanson (Alex Tvaroch), Matthew Hanson (Karin), Keeling Baker, Andrew Baker, Jack Baker, and Caroline Baker; aunts, uncles, and cousins too many to list individually; in-laws:  Bill and Debbie Davy; stepchildren:  Tyler, Jordan, and Hailey Travelstead; and step-grandchildren:  Blakely and Huxtyn Travelstead.

The family is planning a private service at this time.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.