Heinz Meinert Henry Erken, 95, died January 27, 2017 with his family by his side in Highland Park, IL.

He was born on August 21, 1921 in Westerland, on the Isle of Sylt, Germany, to Heinrich and Emmy Erken.

Heinz met and married Gertrud Fett in Westerland, and immigrated to the United States in 1955, with Gertrud following in 1956. The two settled in Deerfield, IL in 1967.  Heinz worked as an electrician for the Village of Deerfield until 1987, when he and Gertrud retired and moved to Baileys Harbor, WI.

Heinz was a masterful story teller; he could turn a routine drive to work into a fantastic adventure. His interests included being outdoors, wood working, model trains, fishing, and boating. He even served for a time as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Mr. Erken is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Karen (Peterson) Erken, and by his beloved granddaughter, Rebecca.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Josephine Steffensen, and Christa Erken, and his wife of 47 years, Gertrud (Fett) Erken.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Saint Gilbert Church Chapel 301 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake IL, 60030. Visitation will take place at 9:00 a.m. with Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment of cremains will be in the Baileys Harbor Town Cemetery, Baileys Harbor, WI.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Heinz may be made to Carmel Catholic High School, c/o Mrs. Moore, 1 Carmel Parkway, Mundelein, IL 60060.

The Symonds Lakes Funeral Home of Grayslake was entrusted with arrangements; for information call 847-543-1080.