ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Father Robert E. Erickson, CSV, who led the former Griffin High School as principal for 10 years, died Jan. 15 at age 75. He passed away at the Alden Estates of Evanston Rehabilitation Center, where he had been recovering from recent surgery.
A Springfield native, he was born July 17, 1940, the son of Robert E. Erickson Sr. and Anna Catherine (Sommers) Erick-son. He graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield, earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Loyola University in Chicago, and graduate degrees in sacred theology and mathematics from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He also studied theology during a sabbatical year (1991-1992) at Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass.
Father Erickson pronounced his first vows as a Viatorian on Sept. 8, 1959 in Arlington Heights and was ordained a priest on May 20, 1967 in Springfield by Bishop William A. O'Connor.
He began his ministry as a math teacher at St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, from 1967-1973. He was then assigned to Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee from 1973-1978, where he was a teacher and eventually served as assistant principal.
Father Erickson's experience in administration in Kankakee prepared him to serve as principal at Griffin High School from 1978-1988, before it merged to become Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. He held the titles of vice-principal and director of development at SHG until 1991.
In 1994, Father Erickson returned to the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights where he was named provincial treasurer of the Province of Chicago, and served until retiring in 2010. After retirement he continued to minister to various parishes. He also served as a retreat director, leader of Scripture studies and a spiritual director.
Father Erickson was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his brother Thomas (Joyce) Erickson Sr. of Springfield; nephews Thomas (Peggy) Erickson Jr., and Michael (Michele) Erickson; nieces Sue Ann (Del) Gilpin and Amy Sue (John) Hood; and 10 great-nephews and great-nieces.
A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights on Jan. 23, with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.
Additionally a Mass for Father Erickson will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1345 N. 6th St. in Springfield. Father Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial and Springfield native, will be the presider.
Lauterburg-Oehler Funeral Home in Arlington Heights was in charge of arrangements.