Erika P. Dost of LaGrange Park, IL, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 28, 2026, at the age of 97. She was born on October 20, 1928, to Martha and August Peil in Ziegenhain, Germany. Her life was influenced by her family's faith and some hard times living in Germany during World War 2.

She completed her business education degree after the war at what is now called Marburg University of Applied Sciences. She worked for several years at German industrial companies in Solingen. During this time, she supported herself and made lifelong friends.

She came to Chicago in 1959 to visit her brother who moved to Chicago after World War 2, met her future husband, Ernest F. Dost Sr. (deceased), and started a family. She used her bilingual skills as an administrative assistant and eventually became the Executive Assistant for the CEO of Robert Bosch Corporation, a position she greatly enjoyed. Through Bosch, she made lifelong friends in the U.S. and in Germany with whom she stayed connected.

Erika was a caring sibling, friend, and grandparent. She kept in touch by writing, traveling, and in later years learned to use technology like FaceTime to stay connected.

Erika was preceded in death by her four siblings, Ruth, Theo, Friedel and Sigfried. She was also preceded in death by her oldest son Ernie and his wife Angie. She is survived by her other children Eric W. Dost (Patricia, former spouse) and Monica Dost Weisz (Norman), seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her eight "Schatzies," Eric R. Dost (Nikki), Michael Dost (Emily), Gemma Dost Shaw (Mason), Holly Dost, Signy Undine Weisz, Thor Gudmund Weisz, Ingrid Marlene Weisz, and Ava Angela Dost, all loved their Oma.

She is also survived and loved by dozens of Dost and Moore cousins in the United States, Peil cousins in Germany, and her ex-husband Ernest's widow (Marcia) and children (Andy and Margaret), who all adored Aunt Erika's style and sparkling personality.

Private interment at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.