Erik Nebeker

Erik Don Nebeker
May 19, 1947-April 17, 2022

On April 17th our hero, Father, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa returned to our Heavenly Father. Erik’s passing was unexpected and sudden.

Anyone who knows Erik, knows that he prefers to laugh and make others laugh more than anything. Erik relates to people by quoting lines from his favorite movies and is always quick to offer some obscure line from one of them. Writing this obituary, I’d like to channel that same energy. “I’ve been stuck out here for an hour with no wind again. So, if you could give me a little help I’d appreciate it. If not, don’t worry about it.”

Erik was born in Los Angeles California and was adopted by Don Paul and Thelma (Johnson) Nebeker. Erik has a brother (Vic), four sisters (Martha, Kathy, June, and Celia). Erik loves to tell stories about growing up with his best friend and best enemy Vic. Erik was once shot in the leg by a soap pellet the day prior to the Grand Opening of Disneyland. Soap pellets were affixed to .22 caliber rounds and the impact would dissipate at around 10 feet similar to airsoft pellets today. Vic was nine at the time and Erik was 7, needless to say they didn't use their best judgement. Depending on who tells the story Erik was either the victim or the antagonist. In any event, this news of him being shot was never made known to his parents, and he limped around Disneyland on its opening day. After all, no one wanted to miss the grand opening.

Erik attended Arcadia High School where he excelled in academics and pole vaulting. On a chance double date, Erik met the love of his life Connie Workman, and after a lengthy successful courtship, Erik married Connie on September 7, 1967. Erik joined the Air Force reserves during the Vietnam conflict where he served out his time faithfully. Erik completed his master’s degree in business administration at Cal Poly Pomona. Erik had a very accomplished career in the insurance industry. After a few unexpected changes in employment, he started his own business in retirement and investment planning. Erik loves his company and loves helping people reach their retirement goals, so much so that he never stopped working, even after he didn’t need the income.

Erik and Connie have eight children. One of the greatest compliments that can be given is remaining the hero to all of them, which he did admirably. Each of the children have countless stories to tell where he has displayed love to them and his grandchildren. Road trips have always been a part of life with Erik. During these trips, it became obvious when the style of music was out of favor and didn’t suit him. The best way to change his mood would be to play Johnny Cash. Erik’s mood would immediately lift, and you’d hear with a chuckle, “Now there’s some good music!” “there aint nothin’ short of dying half as lonesome as the sound on sleepin’ city sidewalks Sunday Morning coming down.”

Erik has a love of all things outdoors which included many fall time trips hunting big and upland game. Erik has fished the ocean and freshwater and as a young man he would also do some scuba diving and spearfishing. There has always been a level of wisdom that Erik is willing to share, “In my experience the best fishing has been over there.”

The most meaningful accomplishments in Erik’s life have been because of his faith. Erik was sealed to Connie in the Los Angeles temple for time and all eternity. Their marriage on earth lasted for over 53 years and will now continue on forever. Erik remained a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for his entire life.

There is too much to say for a life that has been lived to the fullest. Writing these things are hard and to try to be brief feels like an injustice to the mountain of a human Erik is. My hope is that innumerable and great things of this husband, father and grandfather will forever be remembered.

Erik is survived by his children Colleen Christianson (Shane), Scott Nebeker (Jennifer), Andrew Nebeker (Christie), Keith Nebeker (Erika), Valerie Taukinukufili (Sione), Erik Nebeker Jr (Ashley) and Russell Nebeker (Brook). His brother Vic, sister June, and sister Celia. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and two great grandchildren (with one more on the way). Erik is preceded in death by his wife Connie and daughter Kayla Nebeker Karhohs.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cobble Creek 11th Ward Chapel, 8150 S. Grizzly Way, West Jordan. There will be a viewing prior to services from 9:00-9:45 a.m.