Celebrating the life of Charles Walter "Erik" Eriksen
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Obituary for Charles Walter "Erik" Eriksen
Charles Walter “Erik” Eriksen, age 95, of Oakland, IL, died Friday, February 16, 2018 at his home. Charles was born February 4, 1923 in Omaha, NE to Charles Hans and Luella (Carlson) Eriksen. He married Barbara Ann Becker on April 3, 1971; she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Kathy Eriksen; two step-sons: Jim (Kesara) Becker of Avon, IN and Jeff Becker (Amy Metzger) of Bloomington, IN; two step-daughters: Jill Becker (Wolf Reuter) of Ann Arbor, MI and Linda Becker of Talent, OR; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son: Michael Eriksen; a brother and a sister. Charles was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army. He graduated from the University of Omaha summa cum laude in 1943, and then obtained his PhD from Stanford University in 1950. He served on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University and Harvard University before coming to the University of Illinois in 1956. His focus was in experimental psychology and he was professor in the Psychology Department until his retirement in 1993, when he was recognized as professor emeritus. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he was involved in research projects and was invited to lecture and present at colleges and professional conferences both in the US and in Europe. He authored and edited over 100 publications, including psychology textbooks and journals, and was a member of several professional associations. As a result of his distinguished academic and scientific career, he received numerous awards including the Stratton Award from the American Psychological Association and the NIMH Research Career Award that was continuously funded from 1964 until his retirement. No public visitation is scheduled. A graveside funeral will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Union (Greasy Point) Cemetery at Hindsboro, IL.
