Robert Erick, beloved husband, father, proud U.S. Marine, and a man strong in faith, passed away on November 22, 2025, in Sioux Falls, SD. Robert will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls on November 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM. A memorial service will be held in Montana at a later date and time.

He was born on July 15th in Sioux Falls to Bernie and Louzetta (née Boomhower) Erick. Along with brother Paul, Robert spent many happy days involved in the church, his local community, and learning to fix all manner of engines and machines. He attended Washington High School, took loving care of his Plymouth, and was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol, where he met his great love, Janet Whitmore. They bonded through conversation over many shared car rides along Main Street. Robert joined the U.S. Marines just before the Vietnam War as a brave and dedicated serviceman. On leave in 1965, he married Janet. Upon the war's end, he left the service to study Engineering at South Dakota State University, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. He returned to the Marine Corps, where he became an officer. He had a long and decorated career working to improve communications, learn and integrate computer technologies, and lead his fellow Marines with integrity. Robert's service included moving from coast to coast, and he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

During this time, Robert and Janet welcomed three children, Debra, Daniel, and Joshua, to their adventures. The family explored the country and was always able to make a home in each new place. Robert enjoyed teaching Daniel all he knew of engines and vehicles, proudly supported Debra through her time serving in the Army, and learned about life in the mountains with Joshua. They made time to join family reunions and support their loved ones. In his free time, he enjoyed restoring his collector cars. Once he retired from the military in 1995, Robert and Janet moved to Hamilton, Montana, where they began their labor of love, building a log cabin home. Through many trials of makeshift beds, cold stream baths, and long construction, a home emerged and was filled with celebration, laughter, and love.

Always active in his community, Robert found time to have a second career in corrections, kept great friends and neighbors, and was integral to his church community. As the Director of Benevolence at Hamilton Assembly of God Church, he helped countless members of the community with challenging circumstances and offered counsel to those who sought it.

Robert will always be remembered for his kindness, his strength, his thoughtfulness, and his devotion to Country and Family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Debra (& Scott) Stover, Daniel (& Nichole) Erick, and Joshua (& Christen) Erick; and grandchildren, Ashley, Elijah, Erin, Hope, Gideon, Jackson, and Izabel. We love him and will miss him greatly.