Gregory Alan (Gregg) Erikson was born April 15, 1944, in Matteson, Illinois, the son of Lorraine and Albert Erikson. He died in his beloved airpark home in Poplar Grove, Illinois on September 21, 2023.

After graduating from Illinois State University, he married Letty Miller and they had two children - Laura (Bill) Smith- granddaughter, Grace and Jeffrey (Heather) Erikson- granddaughter, Bella. After a long marriage, Letty predeceased him in 2008. He is also survived by his siblings, Gale Rybarski, Jan Behm and Gary Erikson and by his wife, Mary Lou and step-son, Joel Davis.

Gregg was heavily involved in and loved aviation. He retired from Lycoming (Aircraft) Engines as Manager of Air Safety Investigations. Over the years he received many recognitions for his contributions to various aviation organizations. He was a lifetime member of EAA - attending 50 consecutive conventions and presenting many seminars there during those years. Gregg was a founding member of EAA Chapter 153 in Schaumburg and of the DuPage Pilots Assn. as well as founder and director of the North Central Fly- In held for many years in Sterling/Rock Falls. He flew his Sonerai in Formula V class pylon races. He flew 50+ accident- free years and during that time gave a free airplane ride to 545 young people under the EAA's Young Eagle program. He developed an FAA TSI training academy class called Homebuilt Accident Investigation and presented it at the FAA Academy for many years.

In 2010, Gregg and Mary Lou were married in an airplane maintenance hangar and Gregg's dream of living at an airpark was fulfilled when they moved to Poplar Grove in 2015. He loved his family, his airplanes and his wonderful neighborhood, and he will be deeply missed by all including his devoted caregiver, Judith.

A memorial visitation will be Wednesday, September 27, 2023, between the hours of 5-8 pm at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008.