Erika Grace Fridenbergs, 21, passed from this earth to her heavenly home on September 14, 2016 in Chicago. She will live on in the hearts of her family and friends who loved her very much.Erika was born in Chicago on April 2, 1995 to Gary Fridenbergs and Catherine Youngquist. She is survived by her parents, Cathy Youngquist of Chicago and Gary and Jeanette Fridenbergs of Glenview, Illinois; two brothers, Charlie and Will Fridenbergs of Glenview; and her grandparents, Jane Inness Youngquist of Galesburg, Illinois and Gene and Nancy Youngquist of Cameron, Illinois. She had dozens of loving aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of her family. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Harry Fridenbergs and Shirley Beauclair; her great aunt and namesake, Erika Turks; a cousins, Jordan Butler and Dylan Edler.
Erika graduated from Glenbrook High School in Glenview and attended college at the University of Missouri, Santa Monica College, and Oakton College (Chicago). She was enrolling in classes to become a medical assistant.
Her short life was filled with lots of adventure as she loved to travel with her parents. Travels took her to her absolute favorite place, Maui, many times, to Latvia to visit her father’s family, to Italy, France and Mexico, and to Nicaragua, where she worked in a medical facility with underprivileged children. She also had a love of art, writing, and photography.
Erika was filled with laughter and love and will always be known as a free spirit, an adventurer, and a giver. When her life came to an end, she was able to donate her organs and give the ultimate gift of life to three people.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Cameron Christian Church in Cameron, Illinois on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 6 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Nielson officiating. A time of fellowship, including refreshments, will follow at the church. A celebration will also take place at Gilson Park Beach in Wilmette, Illinois, where she lifeguarded for three years, on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Live4Lali, Inc. (www.live4lali.org) or Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network (www.giftofhope.org). Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors of Galesburg is handling arrangements for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
