George K. Erp

Mishawaka - George K. Erp, 92, of Mishawaka, IN, passed away unexpectedly in his home surrounded by family on September 18, 2021. The oldest of twelve children, George was born on April 10,1929 in South Bend, IN, to George E. and Camilla (Reilly) Erp.

On September 3,1954 in the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, he married the love of his life, Phyllis (Dill) Erp, who survives. They resided in Bloomington, IN, while George attended Indiana University, earning a bachelor's degree in business law.

George and Phyllis were blessed with 67 years of marriage and, to that union, were further blessed with daughters, Deborah (John) Billington of Galien MI; Sandra (Tracy Hertel) Canniff of South Bend; and a son, Thomas Erp of San Jacinto, CA; eight grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, James (Linda) Erp and Paul (Marcia) Erp as well as sisters, Camilla "Rosie" (Warren) Braunsdorf and Rose Marie "Pinky" Grams.

George proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. George was involved with the Presbyterian Players and served in his church as a Deacon and Elder.

His involvement in Freemasonry was an integral part of his active community life, where he served in numerous leadership roles. He was a member of Portage Lodge 675 F & AM, which merged with St. Joseph Lodge 45 F & AM. He was a member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of South Bend. His lifelong dedication to masonry earned him the prestigious honor of the 33rd Degree in 1980. He was also a member of Orak Shrine in Michigan City and a past president of the South Bend Shrine.

After 39 years 9 months of working for Allstate, George and Phyllis were lucky to spend the next 26 years of retirement in Sun City Center, Florida, where they were members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. He was very active in the Men's Club in Sun City, where he served as president. George enjoyed bowling, golf, dinner dances, theater, traveling, cruises, playing cards, family and friends.

A celebration of George's life will be held at a later date. Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in George's honor to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Development Office, 2211 N. Oak Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60707.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Posted online on October 05, 2021

10/7/2021 EJS