Joseph Erik Proksch

Joseph Erik Proksch, 56, of York, SC, passed away on Tuesday, October 12, 22021 at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, SC, after a battle with Covid-19.  His wife and eldest son were at his bedside as he peacefully passed on. 

Erik was born to Joe and Hallie Proksch May 17, 1965 in Salmon, Idaho. Raised in Salmon, he could be found playing in the creek with his cousins and learning the value of work from his grandparents and parents. He graduated from Salmon High School in 1983 and shortly after served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Brisbane, Australia and Philadelphia, PA.

Erik attended Rick's College (BYU-Idaho) in Rexburg, Idaho and earned an Associates Degree in Horticulture.  While attending Rick's college, he met his sweetheart Tamera Curtis, daughter of Frank and Karen Curtis of Tillamook, Oregon. Erik and Tami were married for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple January 12th, 1989. The newlyweds then moved to Corvallis, Oregon where Erik graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Turfgrass Management and Horticulture.

Erik took great pride in his work and always gave his 100%, no matter how small or large the job or company. Teaching others was what he enjoyed most about his work and he took the time to make each person feel important. 

He loved to deep-sea fish, hunt birds, cook for crowds of people, spend time in his yard, build wood projects, teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and spend time with his family. He was not content to sit still unless there was a college football game on t.v. where he could cheer for the underdog.

Erik was an Eagle Scout and very active in the Boy Scouts of America program, both as scouter and leader.  He loved teaching the boys life skills that would help them become men with confidence and integrity. 

Erik did everything for his wife and boys. He loved his family dearly. He is survived in death by his wife Tamera Curtis of York, SC.  Son Joseph Alex (Kelli) and grandson Joseph Ryder of Clover, SC. Son Logan (Candace) of Grand Forks, ND. Son Reid (Alexis) of Centerville, UT. Sister Odette Proksch of Salmon, ID.  Sister Shannon Parmer (Jeff) of Idaho Falls, ID. Sister Polly Reagan (Patrick) of Salmon, ID. Laurel Pendleton (John) of No. Ogden, UT. Amy Christensen (Josh) of Syracuse, UT. Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He has 22 nieces and nephews.
 
Erik is preceded in death by grandparents Albert and Annie Proksch and Harold and Ila Havens and two Aunts' Marion and Virginia Havens.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and ICU staff at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, SC. They constantly go above and beyond with the care and support they give their patients and families.  

The South Carolina funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 15, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, York Ward, 1130 Alexander Love Highway, York, SC 29745. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  The Salmon, Idaho, funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Salmon Ward, 400 S. Daisy St., Salmon, ID 83467. 

Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the family.