Last member of Judson's founding faculty dies at 90

The last founding faculty member of Judson University in Elgin has died.

Robert D. Erickson died Monday in Elgin at age 90, according to a university news release. He taught at Judson for more than 50 years.

Throughout his tenure, Erickson was known for never missing a class.

Erickson is credited with drafting the biblical studies curriculum for the university, then known as Judson College, in 1963.

Erickson also taught select courses at Loyola University Chicago, Northern Illinois University, the College of St. Francis and Wheaton College, the news release said.

Erickson was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Elgin for more than 50 years and raised more than $100,000 for Project Eliminate, an international effort to eradicate maternal and neonatal tetanus.

Erickson was not only a member of Chapelstreet Church but also was an ordained minister with the Baptist General Conference, pastor of Hillside Baptist Church - now known as Crossroads Community Church - in Hillside and an interim minister for a number of other churches, the university said.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gladys, six children, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, a number of whom are alumni and current students at Judson, the university said.

Erickson will be honored in a service at 1 p.m. Feb. 12 at Judson University's Herrick Chapel, with visitation from noon to 1 p.m. A visitation also will be held at from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Laird Funeral Home in Elgin.

Family members suggest memorial gifts to the Robert D. Erickson Endowed Scholarship fund at Judson University in lieu of flowers.