Erik Toler

OSWEGO—Erik Thomas Toler, 44, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer peacefully on Nov. 13th, 2024, surrounded by the ones who loved him the most. Erik was born Dec. 14th, 1979, to Thomas Toler and Trudy Toler (Lawrence).
Erik graduated from Reed Custer High School in 1998 where he was a dedicated athlete. During Erik’s high school career, he met Lorrie Roudis of Morris, and they married in 1999 and went on to have four children.
Erik had a passion for helping others. He spent many years of his life serving as a firefighter and emergency medical technician. When he was not working in the emergency field, Erik loved helping others by being a handyman, fixing any problems friends and family had. He later went on to become a local union laborer then transitioned into the plumbing field.
Erik was a man of nature. He loved camping, hunting, hiking, swimming, and anything outdoors. Erik was a kid at heart. His goofball sense of humor, ear-to-ear smile and infectious laugh was a blessing and joy to all who encountered him. Family was most important to Erik. He loved spending time with them as much as possible. In 2018, Erik met his wife Kathy Trevino, whom he married in 2020.
Erik was strongly dependent on his faith, walking closely with the Lord. He was a loved member of his church family and was always willing to serve at any opportunity available. One of his favorite scriptures was Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse is the legacy Erik wanted to leave.
He is survived by his wife Kathy Toler; his children: Olivia Toler 26, Owen Toler 21, Elijah Toler 12, and Leah Toler 10; stepdaughters: Olivia Trevino 24, Marissa Armstrong 28 and son in law Chris Armstrong; grandchildren: Parker and Cameron Armstrong; his mother and step father, Gregory and Trudy Lawrence; his brother Russ Toler, sister-in-law Candance Toler; nieces: Taylor Toler, Morgan Toler, and nephew Ryland Toler; his sister Tara Mueller (Toler), brother-in-law Nicholas Mueller and niece Ellie Mueller; stepbrother Christopher Lawrence and maternal grandmother Diane Rohlfs-Briddick.
Erik is proceeded in death by his father Thomas Toler; paternal grandparents John and Betty Toler; maternal Grandfather August Rohlfs and stepsister Christine Cully.
Erik’s memorial service will be held on Nov. 30th 2024 at Resurrection Church of the Fox Valley. 4054 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora IL. Visitation will be from 10am-12pm, with service to follow that is open to all. Erik’s burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington which will be closed to family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pink Heals of Joliet, PO Box 933, Channahon IL 60410 in honor of Erik’s life.