Monica S. Gertsch Yenchik Erickson

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, Monica S. Erickson, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family. We would love to share a little bit about our mother with you. Out mother Monica was born “Ute Monika Stulz” on September 26, 1944, in Baden Baden, Germany to Albert Stulz and Theresia Bertram during World War II. Her father Albert was accidently killed when allied forces mistakenly bombed his glass factory while he was there doing some extra work on the weekend. A little later on, her mother Theresia met an American GI by the name of Benjamin “Carl” Gertsch. Carl and Theresia were married May 31, 1947, in Karlsruhe, Germany. On July 4, 1947, which was Theresia’s birthday (and what an appropriate date that was) Carl brought both Theresia and Monica to the United States where Carl later adopted Monica. They settled in Bountiful, Utah where they gave Monica 3 little brothers, Steven, Dero and Perry. On May 6, 1969, both Theresia and Monica received their Certificates of Naturalization. Monica graduated from Bountiful High School and from there went on to run her own cleaning business for many years. Her children used to tease her that you could probably eat off her kitchen floor because it was always so clean, as was her whole house with nothing out of place. They also joked that they couldn’t wrinkle the sheets on the bed because that would drive her crazy. She was extremely loving and kind to all animals. If she saw a dog running down the street she would pull over, try to catch it and safely return it home. The family joke was that if someone came up to her asking if she had seen their dog and asked her to come help them help them find it that she would probably go with them and easily be kidnapped. (Something we teach our children not to do) Monica always put everyone else before herself and was always willing to help anyone in need. She was the most loving, caring and selfless person you could ever meet. Monica worked 3 jobs while raising Natalie and Rob until they graduated high school just to make sure they had what they needed even if that meant she went without sometimes. She was someone that everyone could talk to. She was a second mom to a lot of Natalie and Rob’s friends growing up and they would always come over to talk with her and get her advice. Monica married Stephen Robert Yenchik, Sr. (later divorced) and they had two children, Natalie Ann Jackson (Tom) and Stephen Robert “Rob” Yenchik, Jr. Monica later married her soulmate and love of her life Mark Eudell Erickson in Maui, Hawaii. They enjoyed almost 40 years by each other’s side. She has missed Mark every day for the last 8 years and couldn’t wait to be with him again. Mark’s work at Ball Aerospace had them traveling all over, enjoying each other’s company and going out and about on their little excursions. They loved going on cruises, they loved all of the same things, they would always finish each other’s sentences and simply loved being together. If there were ever two people meant to be together, it was them. She is survived by her daughter Natalie Ann Jackson (Tom) and son Stephen Robert Yenchik, Jr., her grandchildren, great grandchildren and brother Perry Nevin Gertsch (Ronda) along with other loving family members, friends and her pets Marley, Jax and Bubba whom she loved so much. She was preceded in death by her soulmate/husband, Mark Eudell Erickson, her parents and two brothers, Steven Carl Gertsch and Dero Roger Gertsch. We love you Mom, and as much as it breaks our hearts to not have you here with us anymore, we are so happy that you and Mark are together again. Rob and I would like to thank you for the many, many sacrifices you made while raising us and just trying to make ends meet. Your unconditional love and support were the best gifts you ever gave us. We love and miss you so much. The boos miss you too! As per mom’s wishes, there were no traditional funeral services. A private family gathering will take place.

Monica S. Gertsch Yenchik Erickson

September 26, 1944 - May 1, 2026