Keith Gordon Erickson

Keith was born on November 11, 1935 to Reuben and Odessa (Hoyer) Erickson in Fort Dodge, Iowa. After graduating (Valedictorian) from Dayton High School in 1953, he went on to study Industrial Administration at Iowa State University (Class of 1957). He was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and was tapped for ISU’s Cardinal Key Honor Society (based on scholarship, leadership, service, and character). Keith continued demonstrating these qualities throughout his life.

After graduation, Keith served in the US Army Reserves and reached the rank of Captain (1957-1966). He started his first job as a foreign trade manager for Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1957. His subsequent positions with CAT (Finance Manager, Contracts & Controls Division Manager, COSA Secretary-Treasurer, Corporate Cash Manager) took his family to live in Argentina, Switzerland, Peoria, and Hong Kong. He continued working for Caterpillar until retiring in 1998. Keith met MaryAlice (Fike) at Iowa State University, they wed in 1957, and had two children, Karen and Linda.

Keith worked hard to provide for his family and gave them a life full of unique experiences from their world travels. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world. He was unendingly proud of MaryAlice, Karen, and Linda and enjoyed talking with others about them, often sharing pictures.

Keith was also passionate about skiing, playing golf, attending theatrical and musical events, and working tirelessly on landscaping projects at home and church. He and MaryAlice were active supporters of many local organizations. With Keith as a Yankee fan and MaryAlice as a Cubs fan, they took many Spring Training trips to Arizona and Florida.

Anyone who knew Keith, knew that he was eager to assist with any fix-it, financial planning, or property improvement jobs. He was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church in Peoria and has been a resident of Lutheran Hillside Village with MaryAlice for the past 4 years. Keith was predeceased by his parents (Reuben & Odessa Erickson); sister (Lenore Gill); niece (Kate David). He is survived by his wife of 63 yrs. MaryAlice; two daughters: Karen (George Briggs) Erickson, Linda (Brian) Evans; granddaughter: Brooke (David) Jackson; great-grandson: Jude Jackson; nieces and their families: Julie Stoner, Coleen Gardiner; cousins: from both Hoyer and Erickson families.

Keith enjoyed any interaction with family, friends, coworkers, and those he would meet when “running errands”. His family thanks you for being a part of his amazing journey. Special thanks to the staff at Lutheran Hillside Village, Unity Point Hospice, and Salem Lutheran Church Pastor Craig Swenson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Keith’s name to Salem Lutheran Church: Memorial Fund (1700 W. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL 61614), Lutheran Hillside Village Foundation (6901 N. Galena Rd., Peoria, IL 61614), or Habitat for Humanity (931 N. Douglas Street, Peoria, IL 61606).

There will be a celebration of life service at Salem Lutheran Church at 1:30 PM on Monday, May 31, 2021. (1700 W. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL 61614). Social distancing and face masks will be required.