Erika Sobel

Erika Sobel passed away peacefully on May 20, 2021. Erika was the firstborn to Otto and Marie Engelhardt on October 19, 1936 in Wyk auf Föhr, Germany, near the North Sea. Erika had her eye on a young man at a community dance. She accidentally slid into him, asked him to dance, and that was the beginning of a lifelong love. Gerhard ‘Gary’ Sobel and his family left for America soon after that encounter. Gary and Erika corresponded until 1955 when Erika joined him in Utah. They were married on March 4, 1958 in Salt Lake City.
Erika dove into her new life with the determination that became her trademark. Gary taught her English, and she was hired as a waitress. She worked to learn every type of egg order – scrambled, over easy, sunny side up, but when her first customer asked for a couple of eggs, she said, “What is eggs couple?”
Mom and Dad worked hard and crafted a great life. They raised three strong, kind, independent daughters of whom they were extremely proud. The family had wonderful friends that they shared their life with, taking regular trips to Lake Powell, Yellowstone, Moab and Bear Lake. Our parents built dance floors in their homes so they could Polka and have many memories with lifelong friends. Mom was fiercely independent, strong in mind and body. She firmly believed in having a positive attitude, which served her well.
Gary’s work with Sperry-Univac gave the family the opportunity to live in Germany for three years. When they returned to their Cottonwood Heights home, Erika knew she was where she belonged. Dad passed in 1986.
Family came first for Mom; she was always there for us. She was able to travel often to see Linda and Karen as they built their lives outside Utah, always starting the visit with a bottle of champagne. Mom loved to celebrate, and any occasion was just right by her. She would raise a glass of her favorite wine, Kendall Jackson Chardonnay, with the words “It’s a good day…” and the party started. Many such celebrations were held on Susie and Ron’s patio, with her laugh and humor ever present.
After raising three girls, Erika was thrilled to have five grandsons. From Mondays at Oma’s, to challenging the boys to games of Yahtzee, cards or Sorry, to supporting their sports, early school and college paths, Oma created individual relationships with each of the boys, who love her dearly.
After family, golfing was Erika’s passion. She and Gary were members of Alpine Country Club where she played regularly. She had great golfing friends and four impressive hole-in-ones!
Mom also enjoyed daily walks, traveling, reading, gardening and flowers. She kept her yard and gardens beautiful and immaculate and her home was gracious and inviting, open to anyone at any time.
Mom’s friendships were life-long relationships. Her many friends were evident every October when she received more birthday cards than anyone we know; they came from her golfing buddies, German friends, current and former neighbors and family, amongst others.
Erika is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Susie and Ron, Karen and Marty, and Linda and Dano as well as her grandsons Tony (Jennifer), Andrew, Shaun and Ian. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary, grandson, Patrick, brother, Volker and sister, Uta.
A celebration of Erika’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at Memorial Estates Mountain View, 3115 E. 7800 South. In Erika’s honor, golf or other casual attire is appropriate. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.
Mom/Oma, we love you and will miss your laughter, support and love. Our hearts are broken.
Service Information

Memorial Service
May 26, 2021 at 6-8 pm
3115 E 7800 S ,Cottonwood Heights, Utah