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, of natural causes. She was surrounded by her loving family. We would love to share a little bit of information about our mother with you. Our mother Monica was born “Ute Monika Stulz” on September 26, 1944, in Baden Baden, Germany to Albert Stulz and Theresia Bertram. She was born during World War II and her father Albert was accidently killed when allied forces mistakenly bombed his glass factory and he happened to be inside at the time. A couple of years later, 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 happened to be Theresia’s birthday (and what an appropriate date that was) Carl brought both Theresia and Monica to the United States, coming through Ellis Island and then eventually settling in Bountiful, Utah. Carl later adopted Monica and they gave her the gift of three little brothers: Steven, Dero, and Perry. On May 6, 1969, both Theresia and Monica received their Certificates of Naturalization, which they were both enormously proud of. Monica graduated from Bountiful High School. After the kids were raised, she went on to run her own cleaning business for many, many years. Her children used to tease that you could eat off her kitchen floor because it was always spotless, as was her whole house with not a thing out of place. They also joked that they could not wrinkle the sheets on the bed because that would drive her crazy. She was extremely loving and kind to all animals, something she learned from her mother Theresia who did a lot of work with the Hogle Zoo and who herself had a pet monkey named Tina that she would dress in diapers and baby clothes. If mom saw a dog running down the street she would pull over, try to catch it and safely return it home. Before Mark’s passing, Monica and Mark lived in Thornton, Colorado. Mom knew every house in their neighborhood that had a dog and knew most of their names as well. Our family always joked that if someone came up and asked mom if she had seen their dog and then asked her to come with them to 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 three 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 like a second mom to a lot of Natalie and Rob’s friends growing up and they would always come over to hang out, talk with her, and get her advice. Monica married Stephen Robert Yenchik, Sr. (later divorced) and they had two children, Natalie Ann Jackson and Stephen Robert “Rob” Yenchik, Jr. Monica later married her soulmate and the love of her life Mark Eudell Erickson in 1982. They renewed their vows in 1989 while living in Maui, Hawaii for Mark’s job. They enjoyed 36 years by each other’s side. Mark passed away June 28, 2018, and she has missed him dearly ever since. She talked about him every day, reminiscing about memories and how she could not wait to be with him again. Mark was her entire world and when he passed away, she felt like she lost a big part of herself. Their love for each other was like something out of a love story and something you do not see every day. Mark’s work at Ball Aerospace had them traveling all over, enjoying each other’s company, and going out and about on all their little excursions. They loved going on cruises, loved all the same things, would always finish each other’s sentences, and simply loved being with each other. If there were ever two people meant to be together, it was them. In some ways we feel she died of a broken heart, their love was that strong. 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 cats Bubba, Jax and Marley 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. We know those were exceedingly difficult times for you, but we sure appreciate everything you did for us. Your unconditional love and continued 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